Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in 1835, Pius X served as pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. Known for his conservative, anti-modernist philosophies, he became, in 1954, the first pope to be elevated to sainthood since Pius V in 1712. Manuscript DS, in Italian, signed “Pius PP X,” one page, 4.25 x 7, June 16, 1909. Apostolic blessing for Dio Sia Benedetto, signed at the bottom in black ink by Pius, adding two lines in Italian above his signature. Document is affixed to an identical size heavier sheet. In very good condition, with uniform toning, tear and paper loss to left edge, and scattered creasing and edge wear. None of the flaws affect Pius’s crisp signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
