Leader of the Roman Catholic Church; Cardinal-Archbishop of Milan; Substitute Papal Secretary of State; papal diplomat.

TLS - Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, 28 January 1943, as papal substitute secretary of state. Addressed to Monsignor Paolo Guerrini of Brescia. Reads:  Your third volume of "Carteggi Bresciana dell'Ottocento" happily continues your intelligent and diligent effort. I rejoice with you with all my heart, certain that this volume will also receive the applause of admirers of the beauty and fruitful memories of Brescia but, above all, it will arouse holy resolutions in the souls who will want to delight in your pious and luminous work.  Thank you very much, dear Monsignor, with fervent good wishes for this new gem of yours.

GUERRINI, PAOLO (1880-1960) Italian prelate and celebrated author. During WWII he was a fervent opponent of Fascism and a lifelong friend of the future Pope St. Paul VI.

NOTA BENE: We also have a biglietto (correspondence card) of Montini as substitute secretary of state, dated 1938, with a few words in his handwriting and signed.  Accompanied by a black and white glossy newswire image of Montini.  Please inquire.