Papal Signatures
Pope Pius VII to "Cardinal Duca d'York" [Henry Benedict Stuart, Cardinal Duke of York, fourth and final publically-claimed Jacobite heir to the throne], one sheet folded, text on both sides, in Italian, 31st Jan. 1802.
Francesco Saverio Vesc[ovo] di Montalto [Pius VIII]
Autograph letter signed as above, one sheet folded, text on two, address on last, evidence of removed wax seal, in Italian, 1802. Later Pope Pius VIII 1829-30. Born into a noble family, he was appointed Bishop of Montalto in 1800. Refused to swear allegiance to Napoleon and in 1808 he was arrested and taken to Milan. After Napoleon's fall he returned and, since he had impressed Pius VII, he was elevated to Cardinal.