Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was elected Pope on March 2, 1939, succeeding Pope Pius XI, who had passed away. Pacelli, known for his diplomatic skills, had served as the Vatican's Secretary of State and played a key role in various significant events during his ecclesiastical career, including the Lateran Treaty with Italy in 1929. His papacy began at a time of immense tension in Europe, with the rise of fascism and the impending threat of World War II casting a long shadow over the continent. In the conclave, the cardinals faced a momentous decision as they considered the geopolitical ramifications of a new pontiff who would have to navigate complex international relations.The election process unfolded in the Sistine Chapel, with the cardinals voting in secrecy. Cardinal Pacelli was recognized for his extensive knowledge of both the challenges facing the Catholic Church and the delicate balance of European diplomacy. His election was marked by a desire for stability in the Church as well as a strong voice on the global stage at a time of instability. After receiving the papal keys, he took the name Pius XII, a name that would resonate during a particularly turbulent period in history.Pius XII's papacy became significant for its responses to the moral and ethical dilemmas of war, particularly concerning the Holocaust and World War II. His initial focus was on fostering peace in Europe; however, as the war progressed, the Vatican faced criticism regarding its silence on the atrocities being committed. Thus, Pacelli's tenure would be defined by both his attempts to guide the Church through a time of distress and his controversial decisions regarding intervention in global affairs.