Spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal-archbishop of Milan. Longtime Substitute Secretary of State (second in command). Papal diplomat.
TLS - Typewritten Letter Signed. One page on his heraldic-crested letterhead. Dated January 1978, just months before his death. Accompanied by original transmittal envelope and a copy of a letter from then papal secretary of state, Cardinal Casaroli. Paul VI letter reads: With kind concern, you sent to us an autographed book of your late illustrious husband, in compliance with the wishes of our Secretariat. We are happy to express to you our deep satisfaction and cordial gratitude for having provided us with this treasure that is not only certainly dear to you but also particularly precious to all because of its author and content. In return for this exquisite and personal gesture of filial donation, we are pleased to grant a special Apostolic Blessing to you and your family, as a pledge of constant and abundant heavenly favors. From the Vatican, January 10, 1978, the fifteenth of our Pontificate. Nota Bene: The pope was likely referring to either de Gasperi’s Letters From Prison 1927-28 or a contemporary biography by his daughter Maria Romana de Alcide entitled My Dear Father.
Six months after the letter of Pope Paul to the widow, Francesca de Gasperi, Cardinal Casaroli sent a letter. The copy we have furnished reads: In response to your letter of December 8, I gladly fulfill the task of informing you that the Holy Father has welcomed and appreciated the homage of the biography of his unforgettable Consort, which you, with thoughtful thought, wanted to send to him. The principal events of the life of the illustrious statesman, recounted with affectionate sensitivity by his daughter Maria Romana, and the austere and ever-confident spirituality of the staunch Christian, emerge from this interesting and moving volume. The Supreme Pontiff sincerely thanks you for this gift and for the sentiments that inspired it. With the hope that this work may enlighten and comfort many souls, His Holiness heartily imparts to you and your family the auspicious Apostolic Blessing, as a pledge of abundant heavenly favors. With the hope that this work may enlighten and comfort many souls, His Holiness heartily imparts to you and your family the auspicious Apostolic Blessing, as a pledge of abundant heavenly favors. Casaroli also thanks Mrs. de Gasperi for the copy she sent to him.
Although Paul VI left scores of letters as papal under-secretary of state and archbishop of Milan, he is less frequently encountered in official documents signed as pope. Given the content of this letter, and the accomplishments of Alcide de Gasperi, it is a significant letter.
ALCIDE DE GASPERI (1881-1954) Italian politician and statesman. He was the founder of the Christian Democratic Party and one of the founding fathers of the European Union. Prime Minister of the Italian Republic through eight consecutive coalition governments.