Saint Pope Pius X (1835–1914) was born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in Riese, Italy, the second of ten children in a humble, hardworking family. From an early age, he showed deep faith and a strong desire to serve God, eventually being ordained a priest in 1858. Known for his humility and pastoral heart, he served as a parish priest, bishop, and cardinal before being elected pope in 1903.

As the 255th pope, Pius X worked tirelessly to renew the spiritual life of the Church. He promoted frequent reception of Holy Communion, encouraged children to receive their First Communion at a younger age, and worked to make the liturgy and sacred music more accessible and reverent. His motto, “To restore all things in Christ” (Instaurare omnia in Christo), guided his papacy and reflected his desire to bring every aspect of life into deeper unity with Christ.

Pope Pius X also encouraged the study of Sacred Scripture, reformed Church law, and strengthened catechesis for all ages. He was canonized a saint in 1954 by Pope Pius XII and is remembered as a model of pastoral zeal, simplicity, and devotion to the Eucharist.
 
 Pope Pius X died in 1914 and was canonized in 1954. 
 His feast day is August 21.