1908 Messina earthquake
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A devastating earthquake occurred on 28 December 1908 in Sicily and Calabria, southern Italy, with a moment magnitude of 7.1 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI. The epicentre was in the Strait of
Ruins of Messina after the earthquake and tsunami. Taken at the northern section of the Palazzata in front of the harbour
Messina earthquake seismogram
The port of Messina in c. 1900, before the earthquake and tsunami
The devastated seafront of Reggio Calabria
Pope Pius X
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Pope Pius X was head of the Catholic Church from 4 August 1903 until his death in August 1914. He opposed modernist interpretations of Catholic doctrine, and promoted liturgical reforms and Thomist sc
1908 Messina earthquake
…but that was not accomplished until midnight at the end of the day. Rail lines in the area had been destroyed, often along with the railway stations. Pope Pius X filled the Apostolic Palace with refugees. The Italian navy and army responded and began searching, treating the injured, providing food and water, and…
Portrait by Ernest Walter Histed, c. 1914
Official portrait, 1903
The Marian image of Our Lady of Confidence, for whom Pius had a devotion
A young Giuseppe Sarto