Benedict XV was the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1914 to 1922. Born Giacomo della Chiesa in 1854, he became the 258th pope during a tumultuous time marked by World War I. His papacy focused on promoting peace and reconciliation, urging nations to end the conflict and address humanitarian issues. He is known for his efforts to modernize the Church and improve relations with other Christian denominations. Benedict XV also emphasized the importance of social justice and the welfare of the poor, advocating for the rights of workers and the need for moral guidance in a rapidly changing world.