122 years ago today, on July 20, 1903 (May 26), Pope Leo XIII passed away.

On July 20, 1903, Pope Leo XIII passed away today. In the last moments of his life, he showed the same calmness and dedication as he had in his 25-year papacy.

Pope Leo, formerly known as Paige, was ordained in 1837 and designated bishop of Perugia in 1846. Seven years later, Pope Pius IX conferred the cardinal on Paige. During his tenure, Paige made significant achievements in the field of education. After the death of Pope Pius IX, at the age of 68, Paige was elected pope in 1878 and became Pope Leo XIII.

Restoring secular power, uniting Christians, and resolving class conflicts were three of Pope Leo XIII's goals. In his 1901 papal proclamation on Christian democracy, he gave Catholics "instructions to make their actions more extensive and beneficial to the public."