Born June 2, 1835, in Riese, Italy, Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto was educated in the college at Castelfranco and the seminary at Padua. He was ordained in 1858 and elevated to the Papacy in 1903 while Bishop and Cardinal-Patriarch of Venice.

Conservative in both religion and politics, Pope Pius X firmly opposed liberal modernism in the Church which would reinterpret religious doctrine. He stressed the inner life of the Church and was tireless in promoting religious fervor among clergy and the people. He initiated the recodification of Canon Law, restored Gregorian chant to the liturgy, and established a new breviary for the entire Church.

He was faithful to his motto: "To renew all things in Christ." His last will and testament bear the words, "I was poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor."

Pope Pius X died in 1914 and was canonized in 1954. 
His feast day is August 21.