Did Pope Benedict XV Ever Read Imitation of Christ?
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Just as every famous poet has read Shakespeare, there are a few Catholic writers who have been read by Popes and saints alike.
Imitation of Christ is one of these great books.
Amongst these saints and popes are St Francis De Sales, St Ignatius of Loyola, and Bl. Pope John Paul I. However, did Pope Pius XI ever read The Imitation of Christ?
But first… who is Pope Benedict XV?
Who is Pope Benedict XV?
Pope Benedict XV is often called the forgotten pope, yet few pontiffs have stood so firmly for peace when the world seemed determined to destroy itself. Born Giacomo della Chiesa in 1854, he came from a noble but not a wealthy family. At the age of 24 years old, Giacomo was ordained a priest and entered the Vatican’s diplomatic service.
At this time, he was mentored by Cardinal Mariano Rampolla, Pope Leo XIII’s Secretary of the State. Under his guidance, he learned the skills that would help define his papacy. Giocamo learned about the delicate balance that exists in diplomatic negotiations, rather than just being an angry and ineffective leader.
In 1907, he was appointed Archbishop of Bologna. In 1914, things moved very quickly. Only months before his election as Pope, he was created a cardinal. However, in July, Europe would descend into the chaos called ‘World War 1’.
Two months after the start of the war, Pope Benedict was crowned pope. The world was destroying itself, and now it was his responsibility.
Benedict XV’s pontificate (1914–1922) was defined almost entirely by this catastrophe. While most political leaders aligned themselves with national interests, Benedict chose a different path.
Strict neutrality.
Instead of taking sides, he condemned the war as a “senseless slaughter.” At times, he was ignored by governments, but he preserved the Church’s voice for peace.
Though sometimes ignored politically, Benedict worked tirelessly behind the scenes. He advocated for humanitarian relief and attempted repeated peace initiatives.
Pope John XIII, reflecting on this time, commented, “What is there that was not done for the refugees of World War I by Benedict XV, whose generous heart was so keenly sensitive to human distress?” His 1917 seven-point peace proposal, though rejected, anticipated many principles later embedded in international diplomacy, including arms reduction and negotiated settlements.
Beyond the war, Benedict XV was a pope of reform. He promulgated the 1917 Code of Canon Law, which greatly clarified the Church’s law and order. He also strongly promoted Catholic missionary work, insisting that the Gospel must never be replaced with European colonialism.
After the end of many turbulent years, Pope Benedict XV died in 1922. He left no sweeping political victories. Instead, his legacy lies in his pursuit of peace. He was a pope who refused to let nationalism replace Christianity and who advocated for supporting the people most affected by war and sin.
What is the Imitation of Christ?
Written in the 15th century, The Imitation of Christ is a collection of short meditations focused on growing in holiness every day. Thomas Kempis aimed to teach people who just entered the monastery how to be good monks. However, soon, the public saw how his wisdom could improve their own lives.
This book isn’t a massive theological book or very complicated. But rather, each chapter is only a few pages long.
The three main virtues this book tries to equip the reader with are humility, detachment, and purity of heart.
In society, we can be excessively attached to so many things. Jobs, money, status, and pleasure. Thomas à Kempis shows how to shift that attachment toward God, so we enjoy these goods without being enslaved by them.
What makes it enduring is its simplicity. The author’s voice is one of a mentor, not a professor. He steers readers away from pride, worldliness, and distraction, urging a patient, faithful devotion to Jesus.
Millions of copies of this book have been sold. However, one thing that put this book so high in this list was not just its ability to touch the lives of so many regular Catholics, but also canonised saints and Popes.
Did Pope Benedict XV Ever Read Imitation of Christ?
In the Encyclical Spiritus Paraclitus, Pope Benedict XV writes about St Jerome.
For context, St Jerome is a biblical scholar who was close friends with a woman named Marcella. In paragraph 43, Pope Benedict XV shows how useful the Bible is in our spiritual lives and quotes Kempis to demonstrate that.
“43. He tells us much the same of Marcella, who also knew the Bible exceedingly well. And none can fail to see what profit and sweet tranquillity must result in well-disposed souls from such devout reading of the Bible. Whosoever comes to it in piety, faith and humility, and with determination to make progress in it, will assuredly find therein and will eat the "Bread that cometh down from heaven" (Jn. 6:33); he will, in his own person, experience the truth of David's words: "The hidden and uncertain things of Thy Wisdom Thou hast made manifest to me!" (Ps. 50:8), for this table of the "Divine Word" does really "contain holy teaching, teach the true faith, and lead us unfalteringly beyond the veil into the Holy of Holies." (Imitation of Christ)
Whilst this isn’t a silver bullet, Pope Benedict XV publishing of quotations from Imitation of Christ at a minimum demonstrated that.
- He was aware of the book
- He viewed it as a trusted authority
- He regarded its teaching in paragraph 43 as profitable to be spread
There is a history of Popes quoting Imitation of Christ, and it is certainly plausible that Pope Benedict XV read the whole book.
A Book Adored By Saints and Popes
Imitation of Christ is a unique book. It’s one adored by saints, popes, and ordinary people alike. And amongst those was likely Pope Benedict XV.
Although it can be a confronting read, it has led many people closer to God.
You can get a copy of Imitation of Christ here at 10% off.
God Bless,
Virtue Books and Gifts