BENEDICT XV. (1854-1922), pope, was born at Pegli, in the diocese of Genoa, Nov. 21 1854, his name being Giacomo della Chiesa. He was educated in the seminary and at the University of Genoa, where he took his degree as doctor of law in 1875. He studied for the priesthood in the Collegio Capranica in Rome, from which he passed to the Accademia dei Nobili Ecclesiastici, the usual training school for those who devote themselves to the carriera, or diplomatic service, of the Vatican. Here he became the friend of Cardinal Rampolla, who, on being sent in 1885 as papal nuncio, to Madrid, took Chiesa with him as his private secretary. He remained in Spain four years, and in 1887, when Leo XIII. recalled Rampolla to make him his secretary of state, Chiesa also returned to Rome and was made minutante in his department.
In 1903, when Cardinal Merry del Val succeeded Rampolla as secretary of state, Chiesa was retained in his post. On Dec. 16 1907, Pius X. appointed him archbishop of Bologna, and on May 25, 1914, raised him to the dignity of cardinal. The outbreak of the World War in August of that year, and the death of Pius X. a few weeks later, found him in the midst of the pastoral duties of his great diocese. At this time, as cardinal-archbishop of Bologna, he delivered a remarkable address on the attitude and duty of the Church during the War, and strongly emphasized the paramount importance of the Holy See observing strict neutrality, while leaving nothing undone to restore peace and good will and to mitigate suffering. The address caused a deep impression, and was no doubt much in the minds of the cardinals when they assembled in conclave for the election of a new pope on Aug. 31 1914. On Sept. 3, of ter 1 o scrutinies, or votings, Cardinal della Chiesa was elected by a large majority, and was proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter's as Benedict XV.
During the War he preserved an attitude of strict neutrality, and made several attempts to effect peace. Official relations be tween France and the Vatican were resumed, and a British repre sentative was accredited to the Papal court for the first time since the 17th century. He died Jan. 22 1922.