PAUL V: (1552-1621) "Extremely rare letter by Paul V, supporter and protector of Galileo Galilei´s discoveries

PAUL V: (1552-1621) "Extremely rare letter by Paul V, supporter and protector of Galileo Galilei´s discoveries

PAUL V: (1552-1621) Pope of the Catholic Church and Ruler of the Papal States 1605-21. Born Camillo Borghese. Best remembered for ompleting St. Peter's Basilica and for founding the Vatican Secret Archives. Paul V supported Galileo Galilei´s discoveries and protected him. Extremely rare L.S., `Paulus pp.<sup>a</sup> V ´, signed in his capacity as Pope, one page, 4to, at the Apostolic Palace in Rome, 25th March 1609, to his Treasurer, Monsignor Giacomo Serra, in Italian. The Pope wishes that the privileges previously granted by Pope Pius IV (1499-1565) to the community of the city of San Severin may be extended for three more years, stating in part `… per ogni cento libre del peso del macinato conforme alla concessione, prorogatione, et patenti fatteli altre volte…´ (Translation: "…for every one hundred pounds of the weight of the ground product in accordance with the concession, extension, and patents made to them on previous occasions…") Pope Paulus V states in part `Ci contentiamo prorogare alla Communità della n.[ost]^ra Città di San Severino per tre anni prossimi la facultà altre nostre concessali, et prorogatali di riscoter la gabella dell’augumento delli doi baiocchi... Però ordiniamo à voi, che ne spediate gli ordini, et patenti opportune che tale è mente nostra, volendo anco, che la presente vaglia ancor che non sia ammessa, et registrata in Camera nelli suoi libri. Derogando alla Constitutione di Pio quarto nostro predecessore de registrandis...´ (Translation: "We are content to extend to the Community of our City of San Severino for the next three years the faculty that we have previously granted to them, and extended to collect the tax of the increase of two baiocchi... However, we order you to send the orders and appropriate patents because that is our intention, also wanting, that the present grant be valid even if it is not admitted, and registered in the Chamber in its books. Derogating from the Constitution of Pius IV our predecessor de registrandis...") Very small, minor age wear, although in very fine condition considering its age. Professionally inlaid. G to VG

Monsignor Giacomo Serra (1570-1623) was appointed Cardinal by Paul V on 17th August 1611. He participated at the 1621 and 1623 conclaves when Popes Gregory XIV and Urban VIII were elected.