The title of Righteous Among the Nations was awarded to Pietro Boetto in 2016, marking his actions to protect Jewish individuals from persecution. Born in Vigone in 1871, he served within the Kingdom of Italy as a Catholic priest and bishop, navigating a complex political climate while maintaining his commitments to the church.
Early Formation and Jesuit Life
Pietro Boetto entered the Society of Jesus on 1 February 1888 after attending the diocesan seminary of Giaveno. His early formation included studies at the novitiate in Chieri, where he took his first vows in 1890. Ordained to the priesthood on 30 July 1901 by Bishop Emiliano Manacorda, he transitioned into academic and administrative roles. He served as rector of the Istituto Arecco in Genoa and St. Thomas College in Cuneo. By 1907, he moved to Turin, eventually holding the position of provincial for the Jesuit Province of Turin.
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Boetto held significant administrative responsibilities within the Jesuit order, including roles as a visitor to the provinces of Aragón and Castilla. He served as the Procurator General of the Society of Jesus from 1921 to 1928, later becoming the provincial of the Roman Province and Assistant to Italy. Pope Pius XI elevated him to the cardinalate on 16 December 1935, designating him Cardinal Deacon of Sant'Angelo in Pescheria. He later opted to become a Cardinal Priest on 18 March 1938.
Archbishop of Genoa
Appointed Archbishop of Genoa on 17 March 1938, Boetto received his episcopal consecration on 24 April 1938 at the church of Sant'Ignazio. He participated in the 1939 conclave that selected Pope Pius XII. During his tenure, he advocated for the city of Genoa, protesting the shelling by British warships. In December 1945, the city granted him honorary citizenship following his efforts to encourage the surrender of Axis forces stationed near the region.
Final Years
Pietro Boetto died on 31 January 1946 in his archiepiscopal residence in Genoa following a heart attack. His Requiem Mass occurred on 4 February 1946 at San Lorenzo Cathedral, with the funeral oration delivered by Bishop Giuseppe Siri. He remains interred in the crypt situated near the main altar of San Lorenzo Cathedral.
Fast facts
- Born: 1871, Vigone
- Died: 1946, Genoa
- Cardinal elevation: 1935
- Archbishop of Genoa: 1938-1946
- Religious Order: Society of Jesus
- Recognition: Righteous Among the Nations (2016)
Questions readers ask
What major honor did Pietro Boetto receive posthumously?
He was named Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 2016 for saving Jewish individuals.
What official positions did he hold in the Catholic Church?
He served as a Catholic priest, a cardinal, and the Archbishop of Genoa.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 2016
- Worked as Catholic priest and Catholic bishop
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