May 5, 1852: The Birth of Pietro Gasparri

The Papal Artifacts’ Collection is primarily dedicated to artifacts connected to the papacy.  Individual popes, their biographies and multiple items belonging to them, including first and second class relics, make up the majority of this Collection.  But that isn’t all it is.

Father Kunst has a deep devotion to the saints as can be readily seen in viewing the Saints & Blesseds section of this site. We invite you to visit Papal History/Saints & Blesseds to view the many canonized and beatified men and women who make up this section of the Collection.

Another category is also included with this Collection: Notable Individuals.  These are people significantly associated with the Catholic Church who have not been canonized but contributed in outstanding ways to the church.

Cardinal Pietro Gasparri is one of them.

Cardinal Pietro Gasparri
Era: 1914-1930

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 as Pius XII. Gasparri is the author of a widely used catechism.

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright © 2001 Columbia University Press

The old photo of the Cardinal, featured here, was signed as Bishop.  It is impossible to overestimate the work done by Pietro Gasparri in service 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.