Pius IX (Pope Pius IX)

Pope Pius IX, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti in 1792, served as pope from 1846 to 1878. He was known for his lengthy papacy during a time of significant political upheaval in Europe, including the fall of many monarchies and the unification of Italy. He defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and convened the First Vatican Council, which proclaimed the doctrine of papal infallibility. His leadership significantly shaped modern Catholic doctrine and church politics, but his papacy also faced criticism for its conservatism and political controversies.