Autograph Letter of Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca

Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca Autograph Letter – Rome, 1816

A remarkable Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca autograph letter, handwritten and signed in Italian in Rome on 7 February 1816. Pacca (1756–1844) was a prominent cardinal, diplomat and senior figure of the Roman Curia who played an important role during the turbulent period of the Napoleonic era and the Papacy of Pope Pius VII.

Written shortly after the Napoleonic Wars, this 1816 Roman autograph letter reflects the formal literary and bureaucratic culture of the Papal States. The elegant cursive handwriting, formal composition and clearly preserved signature make it a compelling example of early 19th-century ecclesiastical correspondence.

Cardinal Pacca and Pope Pius VII

Bartolomeo Pacca was closely associated with Pope Pius VII and became an important figure during the confrontation between the Papacy and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Pacca strongly opposed Pius VII's journey to Paris in 1804 for Napoleon's imperial coronation, expressing concern about the political implications for papal authority and the Church.

The subsequent years brought an extraordinary period of conflict. Rome was occupied by French forces in 1809, Pope Pius VII was taken into captivity, and Cardinal Pacca himself was imprisoned.

The present Cardinal Pacca signed letter dates from 1816, after these events, placing the document within the wider historical context of the restoration of papal authority and European political change following the Napoleonic Wars.

For collectors, the letter offers a direct connection to Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca, Pope Pius VII, the Papal States and the Napoleonic period.

Physical Characteristics

• Signer: Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca (1756–1844)
• Type: Autograph manuscript letter
• Date: 7 February 1816
• Place: Rome
• Language: Italian
• Format: 1 folded sheet
• Size: Approx. 30 cm
• Medium: Ink on paper
• Signature: Clearly legible and well preserved

Condition

The letter retains the natural characteristics of an early 19th-century manuscript.

It shows typical age toning and patina, historical fold lines from storage and minor staining. The handwritten text remains fully legible, while the Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca signature is clear and well preserved.

This 1816 ecclesiastical autograph letter would be an interesting addition to collections of Napoleonic history, Papal States documents, Catholic history, ecclesiastical manuscripts and historical autographs.