LEO XII: (1760-1829) Lot n° 556

LEO XII: (1760-1829) Pope of Roman Catholic Church and Ruler of Papal States 1823-29. A conservative and unpopular Pope who approved a law forbidding Jews to own property. Leo XII was in ill health since his election until he passed away six years after. L.S., `Leo P.P XII´, as Pope, one page, 4to, Rome, 13th December 1823, to Signora Contessa di Castell´Alfer, in Italian. The present letter was signed only two months after his Papacy began. Leo XII thanks her correspondent for her congratulations on the occasion of his recent coronation and sends his blessing, stating `..abbiamo letto le divote espressioni del suo giubilo per la Nostra esaltazione al Pontificato; ed essendo ben´persuasi della sincerita del cuore da cui parte un tale rispettoso officio, le ne attestiamo tutto il nostro gradimento..´ Bearing an attractive red wax seal to the address leaf. Folded. VG £600-900