Pius IX

Mastai-Ferretti (the future Pius IX), born as the second son of a minor noble family and suffering from congenital epilepsy, was expected by his mother to become a priest in the Papal States.

As previously mentioned, the priesthood was a key link in the political system of the Papal States, yet seven or eight out of every ten were scoundrels.

Mastai-Ferretti was born in 1792, precisely during one of the most chaotic periods in Europe, as Louis XVI was sent to the guillotine and the French Revolution reached its climax.

In 1809, Napoleon swept through Italy; the Roman Seminary where Mastai-Ferretti studied was subsequently closed, and, more unfortunately, he was taken to France by the French along with Pius VII, whom he had been following for his studies.

Fortunately, the French soon fell on hard times. Napoleon finally abdicated in 1814, and Pius VII returned home in glory, allowing Mastai-Ferretti to continue his theological studies.

In reality, Mastai-Ferretti had little interest in learning; his days in France were like a vacation to him, as he did not have to attend school.

Mastai-Ferretti never felt his theological or cultural knowledge was particularly high, and this was indeed the case. While living abroad, he could not even win debates against the soldiers guarding him, and upon returning home, he was often left speechless by questions from visiting tourists.

His colleagues often joked:

"The best way to make someone abandon religion is to have them listen to Brother Ferretti's sermons."

In 1818, Mastai-Ferretti became a "glorious" priest, but given his occasional epileptic seizures, poor theological knowledge, and low adaptability, he could only preside over mass with the assistance of other clergy.

His poor performance during the Bologna uprising did not lead to him being shelved; instead, for unknown reasons, he continued to rise