Fact Check: two Popes have previously died in 1914 and 1939

The Claim: "Two Popes Have Previously Died in 1914 and 1939"

Introduction

The assertion that two popes died in 1914 and 1939 refers to Pope Pius X and Pope Pius XI, respectively. This claim has surfaced in various discussions, particularly in the context of their deaths occurring just before the onset of major global conflicts—World War I and World War II. This article will explore the historical accuracy of this claim and the context surrounding these papal deaths.

What We Know

1. Pope Pius X: He died on August 20, 1914, shortly before the outbreak of World War I, which began on July 28, 1914. His death led to the papal conclave that elected Cardinal Giacomo della Chiesa as his successor, who took the name Benedict XV 35.

2. Pope Pius XI: He passed away on February 10, 1939, just months before the outbreak of World War II, which began on September 1, 1939. Following his death, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was elected as Pope Pius XII during a conclave held from March 1 to March 2, 1939 14.

3. Historical Context: Both popes' deaths occurred at pivotal moments in history, with Pius X's death coinciding with the beginning of World War I and Pius XI's death preceding World War II. This timing has led to discussions about potential patterns in papal deaths and their correlation with global conflicts 67.

Analysis

The claim that two popes died in 1914 and 1939 is factually accurate based on historical records. However, the implications and interpretations of this timing require careful scrutiny:

• Source Reliability: The primary sources for this information include Wikipedia articles and the official Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church database. Wikipedia, while a useful starting point, can be edited by anyone and may contain inaccuracies. Cross-referencing with more authoritative sources, such as the Vatican's official records or historical texts, would strengthen the reliability of the information 234.

• Potential Bias: Articles discussing the deaths of these popes in relation to world wars often come from media outlets that may have editorial biases. For example, the Express and Times of India articles present a narrative that suggests a pattern in papal deaths correlating with wars, which could be seen as sensationalist or speculative without robust evidence 610.

• Methodological Concerns: The assertion of a "pattern" in papal deaths lacks rigorous statistical analysis. While the deaths of Pius X and Pius XI occurred before significant wars, this could be coincidental rather than indicative of a broader trend. A more comprehensive analysis would require examining the timing of papal deaths over a longer historical timeframe and their correlation with global events.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have agendas, particularly those that aim to draw connections between religious events and contemporary issues. This could influence how the information is presented, emphasizing certain aspects while downplaying others.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that two popes died in 1914 and 1939 is substantiated by historical records. Pope Pius X died on August 20, 1914, and Pope Pius XI passed away on February 10, 1939, both shortly before the onset of World War I and World War II, respectively. This timing has led to discussions about potential correlations between papal deaths and global conflicts.

However, while the factual basis of the claim is accurate, it is essential to approach the implications with caution. The notion of a pattern in papal deaths related to wars lacks rigorous statistical analysis and may be coincidental. Additionally, the sources discussing these events may carry biases or agendas that could influence their narratives.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding the interpretation of these deaths as indicative of broader trends. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context and nuances surrounding such claims.

Sources

1. The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church - Conclaves by century. Retrieved from https://cardinals.fiu.edu/conclave-xx.htm
2. List of popes - Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_popes
3. 1914 papal conclave - Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1914_papal_conclave
4. 1939 papal conclave - Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1939_Papal_conclave
5. Pope Pius X - Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_X
6. The eerie story the two Popes who died right before the outbreak of ... Express. Retrieved from https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2044875/pope-death-before-war
7. Pope Francis Death: The curious connection between World Wars and ... - MSN. Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/pope-francis-death-the-curious-connection-between-papal-deaths/ar-AA1Doiux
8. Popes, In Sequence [Catholic-Hierarchy]. Retrieved from https://catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/spope0.html
9. From Leo XIII to John Paul II: a history of papal illnesses. Aleteia. Retrieved from https://aleteia.org/en/2025/03/01/from-leo-xiii-to-john-paul-ii-a-history-of-papal-illnesses
10. Pope Francis Death: The curious connection between ... - Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/pope-francis-death-the-curious-connection-between-world-wars-and-papal-deaths/articleshow/120520289.cms