On December 13, 1908, at the beatification of Joan of Arc, Pius X pronounced these words which remain in the memories:
"You will tell the French that they treasure the wills of Saint-Rémy, Charlemagne and Saint-Louis which are summed up in these words so often repeated by the heroine of Orléans: long live Christ who is king of France ! By this title alone is France great among nations. At this clause, God will protect her and make her free and glorious. On this condition, we will be able to apply to it what in the Holy Books is said of Israel that no one was found who insulted this people except when they distanced themselves from God. »