In the beginning of the twentieth century, the Church flourished greatly in some countries. However, the Church was persecuted in other countries including France, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Mexico.
At the same time the number of priests, brothers, sisters and missionaries grew enormously in certain countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium. They went out into the world, spreading the Gospel. Popes called upon all the faithful to grow in sanctity, for example by receiving Holy Communion more often. During the First World War, the pope worked to bring reconciliation between the warring parties.
