By Jenna MacDermant
On July 28, 1914, the world was plunged into war. The pope at the time was sick and unable to respond.
By September, a new successor of St. Peter had been named to lead the world’s faithful through a war unlike any seen before.
“Benedict XV is an unknown pope, who was almost forgotten, but Benedict XVI remembered him,” said Father Bernard Ardura, former president of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences. “From what he has explained, he chose the name of St. Benedict because he is the patron saint of Europe, but also because Benedict XV promoted peace.”
In a world fueled by nationalism, Pope Benedict XV made numerous appeals for peace. The theme was central to his first encyclical.
“It’s based on peace, the need for peace and the benefits it brings,” Father Ardura said. “It also highlights the responsibility of cultivating peace and, above all else, of avoiding the triggers that provoke conflict.”
Father Ardura said the encyclical was also a call for justice.
“Justice and peace go hand in hand,” he said. “A so-called ‘unjust’ peace will only bring more war.”
Even though his words fell on deaf ears, Pope Benedict XV continued to promote peace. He was one of the architects of the so-called Christmas truce, which established a ceasefire between German and British forces on Christmas in 1914.
On the night of Dec. 24, hatred and violence were exchanged for carols and decorations.
World War I came to an end with the Treaty of Versailles and eventually gave way to World War II. In light of the violence, the Vatican continued to speak out.
“The Vatican was not silent,” Father Ardura said. “It proposed ways to plan out a path for peace. It included the simultaneous ceasefire and a coordinated disarmament of all parties, but obviously the pope’s recommendations were not followed.”
Despite being a mostly forgotten pontiff, Pope Benedict XV is still remembered in parts of the world.
A monument in Turkey honors his life and remembers his work and mission to promote the common good of all people, regardless of their religion or nationality.