Pope Pius had already been ill for some time when, on 25 November 1938, he suffered two heart attack within several hours. He had serious breathing problems and had to stay in his apartment
Pope Pius XI chose his own name, as all popes do. It was an indication that he had much admiration for his predecessor, St. Pope Pius X, and planned to carry on with his policies.
Pope Pius XI was born on May 31, 1857 and died on February 10, 1939. Pope Pius XI would have been 81 years old at the time of death or 154 years old today.