Achille Ratti has died

On 10 February 1939, Achille Ratti, better known as Pope Pius XI, died in the Vatican. In his youth, he was a keen mountaineer who frequently climbed the peaks of the Aosta Valley. Some of his ascents are particularly noteworthy, such as the first ascent of the Signalkuppe via the east face, and his ascent of Mont Blanc via the route that bears his name.