"POPE ALEXANDER VII BULL with Lead Seal on a Large Parchment Dated 1658" Signed inside the bottom fold by Roman Curial officials: Agnellus, M. de Jarinici, J. F. Barberinus (Barberini), P. Ciottus, A. P. F. Nerlius, A. Ametus Cap., J. Absalon, L. Roccavena Capellanus and others
Size: 21" x 13" (53 cm x 33 cm), Diameter of the Lead Seal: 1.4" (3.6 cm)
Pope Alexander VII (13 February 1599 – 22 May 1667), born Fabio Chigi, was Pope from 7 April 1655, until his death. A moderate in the heated dogmatic controversies of the period, his pontificate was shadowed by continual difficulties with Louis XIV of France.
Born to the nobility, the son of
Flavio Chigi and Laura Marsigli. Great-nephew of Pope Paul V. Due to poor
health, Fabio was educated at home by his mother and a series of
tutors. Doctor of philosophy, law and theology at the University of
Siena in 1626. Referendary of the Tribunal
of the Apostolic Signature. Referendary of the Tribunal of Justice. Referendary
of the Tribunal of Grace.
Papal vice-legate in Ferrara, Italy from 1627 to 1632. Inquisitor in
Malta. Ordained in December 1634. Bishop of Nardo, Italy on 8 January
1635. Papal nuncio in Cologne, Germany from 11 Years’ War from 11 June
1639 to 1651. Papal envoy extraordinary to the conference in Munster,
Germany, in 1644, which negotiated the Peace of Westphalia that ended the Thirty Years’ War. Vatican
Secretary of State for Pope Innocent X in 1651. Created cardinal-priest on
19 February 1652. Archbishop of Imola on 13 May 1653. Part of the 80-day
conclave of 1655, and unanimously elected 237th Pope.
During his pontificate, repeated difficulties with Louis XIV led to the temporary loss of Avignon, France and acceptance of the humiliating terms of the Treaty of Pisa in 1664. Alexander fought Jansenism by compelling the French clergy to sign his “formulary.” Supported Venice in their fight with the expanding Turks. Alexander VII was a patron of art, beautified Rome and many of its churches, enlarged the libraries of the Vatican and the Roman University, and befriended men of letters. His tomb by Bernini is one of the most beautiful monuments in St. Peter's.