SEE ALSO - Merry del Val, Cardinal Rafael
 
Bishop of Mantova; Patriarch of Venice. Proclaimed supreme pontiff in 1903. Canonized in 1954 although his consideration for sainthood was begun shortly after his death.
 
MS - Manuscript. Papal breve on vellum dated 2 March 1908, the fifth year of his pontificate. Signed on behalf of Pius X by (Servant of God) Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val y Zulueta (1865-1930) as papal secretary of state. Del Val's candidacy for sainthood commenced in 1953.
 
Manuscript measures 15.5"x11" and bears the papal red rubber stamp seal in the lower left hand margin. Usual folds and light toning but, overall, very good to fine. The Cardinal Secretary of State has signed on the right adding his title of office. The document confers the Order of St. Gregory the Great on Count Stephano de Beauchamp, Vice President of a hospital in Lourdes, France. It is uncommon to find documents signed by Merry del Val of this kind.