POPE PIUS XI
(1857-1939) Pope from 1922 until his death. He was the first sovereign of Vatican City from its creation as an independent state in 1929. I.S.P., 8 1/2" x 11" b/w, full body view, with papal message in a fine calligraphic hand: "To Mr. and Mrs. M. D. Collins as a mark of benevolence and as a pledge of heavenly favours we impart our Apostolic Benediction. From the Vatican, 26th November 1923." It is signed at the bottom in black ink, and has been blind-embossed with the pope's official seal. Mounted in a brown wood frame, very good.