Papal Bull dated 1698 - Pope Innocent XII

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A very fine manuscript Papal Bull on parchment in scrittura bollatica Latin. In the name of Pope Innocent XII, dated at Rome, 1698. (225 x 390mm – 8 3/4 x 15 3/8”) 

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.

Pope Innocent XII (13 March 1615 – 27 September 1700), born Antonio Pignatelli, was Pope from 12 July 1691 till his death. Benevolent, unselfish and pious, Innocent XII declared against the nepotism which had too much and too long been one of the greatest scandals of the Papacy. He introduced various reforms into the States of the Church and issued decrees for the better administration of justice. 

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# D-1596
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