WITH THE GILT COAT-OF-ARMS OF POPE BENEDICT XIV
(POPE BENEDICT XIV) (CATHOLIC CHURCH). Constitutiones Apostolicæ et Decreta Consistorialia Quae Jurantur, ac Formula Juramenti… Urbini: Antonium Fantauzzi, 1728. Small folio (8-1/2 by 11-1/2 inches), contemporary full vellum, gilt centerpiece on covers, manuscript title on spine.
18th-century Latin edition of this compendium of canonical law, in contemporary vellum-gilt with the arms of Pope Benedict XIV in gilt on the covers, indicating that it came from the Pope’s library or was presented by him as a gift.
Benedict XIV was elected Pope in 1740. The conclave that elected him had lasted for six months, and he is reported to have said to the cardinals: “If you wish to elect a saint, choose Gotti; a statesman, Aldrovandi; an honest man, me.” His Papacy began in a time of great difficulties, chiefly caused by the disputes between Catholic rulers and the Papacy about governmental demands to nominate bishops rather than leaving the appointment to the Church. He had a very active papacy, reforming the education of priests, the calendar of feasts of the Church, and many papal institutions. Engraved vignette of the arms of Pope Benedict XIII (Pope at the time of this book’s publication) on title page; engraved headpiece and initial.
Occasional foxing and dampstaining; contemporary vellum-gilt quite nice. An excellent copy.