80th Anniversary of the Election of Pius XII

Pius XII was elected to the See of Peter on his birthday, 2 March 1939. A tireless peacemaker, he faced the horrors of the Second World War, bringing the light of Christ to a shattered world, and promoting the hope of rebuilding.

"Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam!"

"I announce to you a great joy. We have a Pope!" On 2 March 1939, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was elected the 260th Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Roman Church. The announcement of his election was interrupted four times by applause from the immense crowd of faithful gathered in St Peter's Square. The same enthusiastic welcome would embrace him ten days later at his solemn coronation

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