This biography of Benedict XV, best known for his efforts to bring an end to World War I, was written using Vatican archives. Though his proposals were eventually rejected by all sides, his Peace Note of 1917 was the first manifestation of the peace-making role which the Papacy assumed for itself in the 20th century. Benedict's short pontificate also saw a significant improvement in the Church's attitude to colonial peoples. He was one of the founders of the Save the Children and led European efforts at humanitarian aid.