Saint of the Day for February 7: Bl. Pope Pius IX - Blessed Pope Pius IX, born Giovanni Ferretti, was one of the longest reigning popes. During his 31 year papacy, he dealt with Church controversies, external turmoil, and the dissolution of the Papal States. Even though he faced many difficulties and medical aliments in his lifetime, he persevered from a very young age and after being rejected as a cadet for the Noble Guard, he became a priest. He was elected Pope in 1846, and took the name Pius IX in honor of Pope Pius VII. ...