Sometime in the early 1900s, a long-upheld Vatican tradition was broken.
Pope Pius X opened up his own dining table at the Vatican to…his friends?!
Now, to understand the significance of this, you have to realize that the papal dining table was no ordinary dinner spot. For centuries, the Pope’s meals were a solitary affair with attendant formality and ritual. It was more about reflection and less about relaxation.
But Pius X was a man of the people, and he believed that even the Pope needed good company—especially at mealtime! So, instead of dining alone, Pius X invited close friends and trusted advisors to share meals with him. This was unheard of!
Imagine the scene: a formerly quiet, almost somber room now filled with the sound of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of wine glasses. Pius X, with his warm smile and hearty laugh, would be at the center, enjoying a simple meal—he wasn’t one for elaborate banquets—and sharing stories, discussing matters of the Church, or just enjoying good company.
This wasn’t something Pius X did simply to challenge tradition. In fact, Pius X was a great defender of tradition! Rather, it was his way of bringing his humanity into his papacy.
Pope Pius X did this in many other ways as well. In addition to opening up the papal dining room to friends, he also would open up the Vatican cafeteria to the poor and homeless.
He was also known to walk around with candy in his pockets, ready to hand out to anyone he encountered on the streets of the Eternal City!
All in all, St. Pius X seems like the kind of person we would all want around! Although he is no longer with us, but dwells in heaven with the saints, we can still get to know him better. Memories of Pius X is a fascinating eyewitness account of a great pope in action. Written by his Secretary of State, it’s an inspirational portrait of this holy saint. Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
