About
The Pius XII Memorial Library at Saint Louis University contains more than 300,000 volumes of the University’s total collection as well as microfilmed copies of the manuscripts in the Vatican Library in Rome. In 1953 the Rev. Paul C. Reinert, S.J., president of the university at that time, received a letter from Pope Pius, who wrote: “Heartily then do we approve your plan: the final consummation of your dream, a university library which will be a spacious temple of learning, a store-house of the good, the true, the beautiful. Willingly then do we accede to your filial request that this new library be designated the Pius XII Memorial Library.” Thus, the statue of Pope Pius XII by the renowned sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic, presides over the Lindell Plaza entrance to the library. (Courtesy of SLUMA)
Dimensions: 14′ x 5′ x 5′
Year Completed: 1959
Material: Bronze and granite
Owner: Saint Louis University
