January 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, January 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
Period manuscript copy of Pope Clement VIII's letter to the General Inquisitor of Spain, with forceful content regarding the Inquisition. Dated 1597, document in Latin translates in part, ''Pope Clemens VIII to the General Inquisitor of Spain, Peter the Bishop of Corduba...Since there is nothing more suitable to kings and princes than professing the true faith, King Phillip of Spain, recently converted some moors, yet many of them, especially in Valencia, even though having been baptized, still secretly profess and practice their former religion, and follow the errors of Mohamed. Following his former predecessors in going against apostasy and heresy, Clemens VIII asks the bishop, in order to better strengthen the faith of the newly converted, to enforce greater punishments upon them, and to cut off the lethal cult at its roots, by even appointing more inquisitors, and converting the moors, their children, and nephews, by oath and confirmation...'' Runs 7pp. on 5 sheets, with one sheet blank save for a small notation to upper left. Measures 8.5 x 10.5''. Toning and bleeding to ink, else near fine.
Extraordinary Spanish Inquisition Letter by Pope Clement VIII -- ''...follow the errors of Mohamed...enforce greater punishments...cut off the lethal cult...by appointing more inquisitors...''
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