St. Pius X Refuses to Bless Austria’s Troops

September 8, 2014

Pope St. Pius X

As his troops mobilized and prepared to march against Serbia in 1914, starting the First World War, Franz Josef asked Saint Pius X to give the Apostolic Blessing to the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s soldiers. The holy Pontiff answered:

— “I am the Pope of all Catholics and cannot bless some as they attack the others.”

Subscription17

Vicente Vega, Diccionario ilustrado de frases célebres y citas literárias (Barcelona: Gustavo Gili, 1955), 111. (Nobility.org translation.)

Short Stories on Honor, Chivalry, and the World of Nobility—no. 418

 

 

Share

Previous post:

Next post: