A very fine manuscript Papal Bull on parchment in scrittura bollatica Latin. In the name of Pope Paul V, dated at Rome, 5 November 1619. Addressed to the Archbishop of Naples. (200x328mm – 7 7/8 x 12 7/8”)
A Papal Bull, named for the “bulla” or lead seal originally appended to it, is a particular type of important communication issued by a pope. After the 15th century, they were used only for formal or solemn occasions. Bulls were written at the Vatican in an archaic and very artificial Latin style know as “scrittura bollatica”, full of abbreviations and contractions virtually undecipherable to ordinary readers – a copy in ordinary script sometimes accompanied them. The documents begin with the pope’s name, followed by “episcopus servus servorum Dei” (… Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God). The date is found in the last line of text, and the signatures of various Papal authorities are added.
This particular Bull concerns a Papal dispensation of marriage within the fourth degree of consanguinity (first cousins), referencing the decrees of the Council of Trent (1545-1563) relating to consanguinity. Prompted by the Protestant Reformation, the Council of Trent was the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. It was a reaction to the Protestant Reformation and has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation.
Pope Paul V (17 September 1552 – 28 January 1621), born Camillo Borghese, Pope from 16 May 1605 until his death. He refused to compromise on the authority and privileges of the Church and in April 1606 excommunicated the entire government of Venice. He ordered Galileo not to defend Copernicus’ heliocentric ideas and financed the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica. He also condemned the oath of allegiance of King James I of England
An attractive liturgical document in nice antiquarian condition, with bold signatures. There are a few small holes (none affecting the text), including four piercings for the seal cord which is no longer present.
