Pius XII: The 'Birthday' Pope

Pope Pius XII, 1939

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On March 2nd 1939, the day of his 63rd birthday, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was elected Pope, taking the name Pius XII (r. 1939-58).  

Eugenio Pacelli was born in Palazzo Pediconi, in the heart of Rome, on March 2nd 1876. A plaque in the hall of the entrance of the palazzo commemorates his place of birth and his election as Pope Pius XII. 

Plaque to Pope Pius XII, Palazzo Pediconi

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