Cardinal Pietro GasparriPietro Gasparri (1852 – 1934) was a signatory of the Lateran Pacts (the Lateran Treaty). He served as Cardinal Secretary of State to both Benedict XV (1914 – 1922) and to Pius XI (1922 – 1939) until 1930.
He played a significant role not only as a diplomat but also as the codifier of Canon Law. He spent thirteen years in seclusion creating the first definitive legal text in the history of Catholicism.
The photograph featured here is signed by Cardinal Pietro Gasparri.
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- Original Framed Photo of the Signing of the Lateran Treaty
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- Original Framed Photo of the Signing of the Lateran Treaty
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- Two Coin Sets Commemorating the Lateran Treaty
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- Pins Commemorating the Signing of the Lateran Treaty of 1929 and the 50th Anniversary of Pius XI’s Priesthood
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- Lateran Treaty: 90th Anniversary
Biography
Pietro Gasparri (1852–1934) was an Italian cardinal who taught canon law at the Catholic Institute in Paris (1879–98) and was apostolic delegate thereafter in South America. After his return he was asked by Pope Pius X to direct the great codification of the canon law, and he was created a cardinal in 1907. In 1914, just after the outbreak of World War I, Pope Benedict XV made Cardinal Gasparri papal secretary of state. Pius XI retained his services, which he brought to a culmination in the Lateran Treaty of 1929, ending the Roman question, establishing an agreement between Italy and the papacy, and setting up Vatican City.
He retired in 1930 and was succeeded by his pupil, Eugenio Pacelli, who later became Pope Pius XII. Gasparri is the author of a widely used catechism.
Cardinal Gasparri died on November 18, 1934, from complications of pneumonia. He died in Rome and was buried in the church of St. Ignazio (Ignatius of Loyola) and was buried in the cemetery of Ussita, Italy.
Papal Artifacts honors the gift of his life to our Church.
YouTube
Pope Pius XI. Mussolini and Cardinal Gasparri signing Concordat. Mussolini leaving. Pius XI on balcony blessing people. Pius XI leaving Castel Gandolfo. People throwing flowers into path of car. Vatican radio station. Pius XI making first broadcast from Vatican station. Pius XI closing holy door with golden hammer. St. Peters at night. Pius XI blesses crowds at St. Peters. St. Peters as death is announced. Crowds kneeling. Cathedral of Notre Dame. Cuban Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral. New Pope will be Cardinal Pacelli seen here on U.S. trip in 1936.
