It just so happens that December 1, 1521, was the death of Pope Leo X. A few days previous to this anniversary, Father Kunst was invited to be the guest lecturer in a class on church history at one of the campuses of Stella Maris Academy where he is pastor.
Father Kunst visited the class to teach on the topc of the Reformation and the role of Pope Leo X in this historical event that changed the world.
Father Kunst showed them a letter from his Collection which was written by Pope Leo X in 1506 when he was cardinal.
What an opportunity to have a renowned expert, a self-described “popeaholic” as your pastor and teacher!
Pope Leo X: A Rare SignaturePope Leo X is a very significant historical figure who was Pope from 1513-1521.
The year is legible (1506) and the signature is complete.
According to Saggiori’s book, the jo.(for john) is preceded by a” v.r.” (I would say the v .stands for vescovus or vice chancellier)
Here the initials before the j.o. stand for something else, but they are indeed present and fully legible.
This piece, the end of a signed letter, is not “glued “to anything. It was submitted to an expensive professional restoration where Japanese paper pulp was reintegrated into the missing parts to return the piece to a more attractive square format.
Given the age and rarity of the document, this is an incredible addition to the Collection.
Pope Leo X was created Cardinal at the age of 13 in 1488 and was formally received into the College of Cardinals in 1492. His signature on this document is from his time as Cardinal.
