A very fine manuscript Papal Bull on parchment in scrittura bollatica Latin. In the name of Pope Urban VIII, dated at Saint Peter’s, Rome, 7 January 1624, in the first year of his papacy. (185 x 320mm – 7 3/8 x 12 5/8”)
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 known 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), in accordance with 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 has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation
Pope Urban VIII (baptized 5 April 1568 – 29 July 1644), born Maffeo Barberini, was pope from 1623 to 1644. Perhaps best known for the trial of Galileo, he was the last pope to expand the papal territory by force of arms, and was a prominent patron of the arts and reformer of Church missions. In the controversy with Galileo and his theory on heliocentrism, Galileo was forced to recant in 1632 during Pope Urban VIII’s reign.
An attractive liturgical document in nice antiquarian condition, with bold signatures. There are four piercings for the seal cord which is present, though the lead seal is lacking. Filing folds are evident as usual. Small scuffed area in first and second lines.
