Pope Pius XI’s papacy was marked by his efforts to navigate the rise of fascism and communism in Europe. He signed the Lateran Treaty in 1929, which recognized the Vatican as an independent sovereign state, and condemned totalitarian regimes. Birth name: Achille Ambrogio Damiano Ratti Nationality: Kingdom of Italy Born: May 31, 1857 Died: February 10, 1939 Pontificate: February 6, 1922 – February 10, 1939