This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2014
Pope Pius XI autograph letter signed, ''Achille Ratti'' as a Cardinal. Letter issues a pass to refuse to fight in WWI. Datelined Rome in 1917, letter is written on Vatican stationery presumably in Italian. Pius XI was the first sovereign of Vatican City. Single-page letter features a date stamp from the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. Fragile sheet measures 8.5'' x 10.75''. Toning, wormhole near signature and scattered minor tears, else very good.