Future Pope Benedict XVI Archive Dating Just After His Appointment as Prefect of the "Holy Office" in 1981

A small archive relating to Joseph Ratzinger (born 1927), the future Pope Benedict XVI, after an important promotion in 1981. The items include a form letter to a German Catholic well-wisher with Ratzinger's facsimile signature; an original transmittal envelope; and a souvenir postcard showing Ratzinger's episcopal seal and the motto "Cooperatores Veritatis."

The lot includes:

1. A 1p printed letter in German bearing the facsimile signature of Cardinal Ratzinger, PRINTED as "+ Joseph Card. Ratzinger" at the lower right. The form letter on "Der Erzbischof Von München / Und Freising" [trans: "The Archbishop of Munich / and Freising"] letterhead was sent from Munich, West Germany on February 20, 1982. Expected light paper folds and a few wrinkles, with a minor closed tear affecting the vertical fold at the top. Else near fine. 8.25" x 11.625."

Cardinal Ratzinger's letter reads translated in part: "On the occasion of my nomination as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, I have received such an abundance of personal and heartfelt congratulations, that it is with a heavy heart that I bow to the need to send you a ready-made answer…"

Ratzinger had served as the Archbishop of Munich and Freising since March 1977, and as Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Consolatrice al Tiburtino since June 1977. On November 25, 1981, Pope John Paul II appointed Ratzinger to a new role, that of Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The "Holy Office" was the administrative body historically tasked with the Inquisition. Its primary duties consisted of spreading and defending Catholic doctrine.

2. The original transmittal envelope bearing two German stamps, postmarked from Munich. Neatly letter-opened at top. Ratzinger's return address on Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse is printed verso.

3. A souvenir postcard showing Cardinal Ratzinger's episcopal motto and seal recto, with a German biographical description verso. Upon his promotion to Cardinal in 1977, Ratzinger adopted the motto "Cooperatores Veritatis," or "Co-workers of the Truth," taken from 3 John 8. Ratzinger's seal, topped by the red cardinal's hat, features a scallop shell, two Moor's heads, and Corbinian's bear. These symbols relate to either Bavaria or the Christian tradition.

Cardinal Ratzinger served as Pope Benedict XVI between 2005 and his resignation in 2013.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!