LEO XIII: (1810-1903) Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1878-1903. He ...

LEO XIII: (1810-1903) Vincenzo Gioacchino Pecci, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1878-1903. He was the oldest Pope reigning. L.S., ` Devotis Servitor vero - C ard.[inal] Pecci - Vesc.[ovo] di Perugia´ (" Your Devoted and true Servant - Card[inal] Pecci - Bishop of Perugia"), one page, folio, Perugia 25th November 1858, to Cardinal N. Clarelli - Paracciani, in Italian. Leo XIII signs the present letter in his capacity as Bishop of Perugia 1846-78, a position he left once he was elected Pope in 1878. The future Pope states in part ` Le cortessissime felicitazioni che si degna farmi nella occasione del S. NAtale sono per me un novello accettissimo argomento della bontà che Ella mi ha sempre usata: e con tutto il piacere a dempio al debito di porgerle le piú distinte azioni di grazia...´ (Translation: " The most gracious congratulations that you have deigned to send me on the occasion of Christmas are for me a new and most welcome proof of the kindness that you have always shown me: and with every pleasure I fulfill my duty of offering you the most distinguished thanks...") Large fox staining to the upper and lower edges, and traces of a former staple to the upper corner. G