Is it true that Pope Pius X had prophesised that Karl was to become emperor?
Yes, that’s correct. Saint Pius X had a very high opinion of this man and of his wife, Zita. Shortly after Zita’s engagement to Karl, Pius X received the young lady at a private meeting in June, 1911, and on that occasion revealed to her that Karl was destined to occupy the throne of the empire, and added that his Christian virtues would become an example for humanity. Empress Zita died in 1989, and was a key witness during the beatification process. When she met Karl, was she aware that her fianc was a saint? The testimonies that Zita has left us, depositions given under oath, are of inestimable value because they open a window into the soul of this outstanding man. Written testimonies reveal that she only gradually became aware of the extraordinary store of goodness and of faith inside him. When recalling their first dates and encounters, she said, His actions were already then under the guidance of a resolute sense of duty. However, though he gave me the impression of being a ferven
