March 9, 1471: Cardinal Francesco della Rovere, the Future Pope Sixtus IV, Writes and Signs a Pandering Letter, & An Interesting Story about the Letter’s Location Today!
This is a letter dated March 9, 1471, written in Rome in the year Sixtus IV was elected pope. The content concerns a prince in Venice and two of his cardinals. It is a “pandering” letter: the Cardinal is trying to exert his influence on this senator in Venice who had authority over certain cardinals. The Cardinal was utilizing flattery because the election was getting closer.
This item has an interesting story.

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr
Father Kunst gave this as a parting gift to Duluth, Minnesota’s Bishop Dennis Schnurr, presently the Archbishop of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a close friend of his. The letter was written when Sixtus IV was Cardinal Francesco della Rovere, the cardinal of the Church of St. Peter in Chains in Rome.
Papal Artifacts extends warm wishes to Archbishop Dennis Schnurr.
- St. Peter in Chains, Rome
- St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati