An autographed photo of Pius XI that was signed by him directly onto the photo. This is quite unique and rare. It is dated August 4th, 1927. It is in a presentation frame. This is a title given to an autographed photo when the frame itself is actually part of the gift. Pius XI apparently gave this autographed photo and frame as a gift. Generally, the pope’s coat of arms is included on the frame.
This free standing frame from 1927 with his coat of arms on top is in very good condition and is quite ornate.
Presentation Frame
A type of framed object, often a photo where the frame is included as part of the gift. In the Collection it designates the often beautiful frame containing an autograph of a famous person, usually a pope.
Pius will long be remembered for his concordats devised to ensure the Church’s freedom to work in all the countries after The Great War. In 1922, Latvia was the first. Bavaria in 1924, Poland in 1925, Lithuania in 1924, and most famously, Italy in the 1929 Lateran Treaty, following three years of bargaining with the Fascist government of Benito Mussolini. This treaty ended the dispute that had existed between the Church and Italy from 1870. The recognition and acceptance of Italy’s sovereignty removed any possibility that former territory would be restored to the Church. It allowed the Church to move forward solely as a spiritual authority from the smallest state in the world, Vatican City State. The treaty guaranteed the pope’s liberty, and recognized canon law and Catholicism as the state religion.
Financial compensation for the Papal States totaled 1,750,000,000 lire, an endowment that put the papacy on a secure financial footing. The treaty also allowed for the teaching of Catholic doctrine in state schools.
Mussolini’s interest in these negotiations centered on his awareness of the importance of the Catholic faith to Italians rather than any interest in peace and reconciliation.
Papal Artifacts honors Pope Pius XI and the gift of his life to our Church.
- Original Framed Photo of the Signing of the Lateran Treaty
- Original Framed Photo of the Signing of the Lateran Treaty
- Lateran Treaty Close up of Signatories
- Lateran Treaty Close up of Signatories
- Lateran Treaty Close up of Photographer
- Pins Commemorating the Signing of the Lateran Treaty of 1929 and the 50th Anniversary of Pius XI’s Priesthood
- Two Coin Sets Commemorating the Lateran Treaty: Case
- Two Coin Sets Commemorating the Lateran Treaty