Pope Pius XI - Death and Burial

Death and Burial

Pope Pius had already been ill for some time when, on 25 November 1938, he suffered two heart attacks within several hours. He had serious breathing problems and had to stay in his apartment. He gave his last address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which he had founded. He spoke without prepared text on the relation between science and the Catholic religion. This was his last major pontifical address. Medical specialists reported that heart insufficiency combined with bronchial attacks had hopelessly complicated the already poor outlook. His last words to those near him were spoken with clarity and firmness: "My soul parts from you all in peace."

Pope Pius XI died at 5:31 am (Rome Time) of a third heart attack on 10 February 1939, aged 81. Some believe he was silenced by being murdered: this is pure conjecture based on the fact that his primary physician was Dr. Francesco Petacci, father of Claretta Petacci, Mussolini’s mistress. He was buried in the crypt at St. Peter's Basilica, in the main chapel, close to the Tomb of St. Peter.