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Italian Pope (1881-1963), born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who ascended the papal throne in 1958 and served until his death. As the guiding force behind the historic Second Vatican Council, John ushered in the most sweeping reforms the Catholic Church had undergone in centuries. ALS in Italian, signed “+ Aneglo Giuseppe Roncalli,” six pages, 8.5 x 11, January 1, 1926. Addressed from Sofia, a lengthy handwritten letter to Ferdinand I, the former Tsar of Bulgaria, in full (translated): “Coming back from Rome, during my return to Bulgaria to continue there the ministry of Apostolic Visitor entrusted to me by the Holy Father, I was told of Your Majesty's desire to meet me during Your stay in that city. I was too far from Rome at that time. I would not have been able to reach you. I would like to seize the occasion of the new year – and because I also must in part live according to the Julian Calendar – of Orthodox Christmas, to express to Your Majesty the deep and devout reverence of my heart along with the most joyful good wishes.
After a fairly careful exploration of Bulgaria, from Vidin to Malko-Ternovo, from Vran to Oria- Keni, everything about this country and these people, its history, its way of life, and its hopes for the future has become particularly dear to me. Your Majesty can well imagine how many times my thoughts turn with respect and sympathy to Your name and person, which here I see in every memory as a shining affirmation of splendid and prudent, robust and paternal regality. The Lord's Providence has ordained that this regality is passed on to Your Majesty's August Son, so worthy of representing You, he who is also so worthy of the love of his people.
I understand well how difficult it is at this present time to preside over the fates of nations. All of this, however, is of help: both the sacrifice of he who, for love of his people, leaves everything and gathers himself in silence, as well as the sacrifice of he whose back is bent by responsibilities and terrible worries in circumstances that are not joyful. It gives me pleasure to see how resplendent and enshrouded in the same light of love of the Bulgarian people is both Your Majesty's sacrifice and also that of Your August Son, and with all my heart I wish and implore the Lord that they promote truly the health and elevation of this dear – now to me as well – beloved country.
Regarding as the illustrious merits that Your Majesty accumulated in more than 30 years of your reign, You may well be consoled in the thought that our good works are written in the two great books of life: that of God in which he has reserved for us the prize of the last day; and that of history which knows also how to yield to it in its time its own and our justice. This thought strengthens our courage, and keeps lit in our hearts the flame of generosity that ennobles and gladdens. How happy I will be if the Lord allows me to be able to meet and see again Your Majesty's person in a more opportune occasion. For now I can confirm to you the devout and heartfelt expression of my feelings that are a profound wish for all the blessings of earth and of heaven for Your Majesty and for Your August Family.” Signed at the conclusion by future Pope John XXIII as Titular Archbishop of Areopolis and Apostolic Visitor to Bulgaria. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and a typed Italian transcription of the letter.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
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