Vincenzo Pecci was born of noble parents in March 1810 in a village outside of Rome. He was ordained a priest in 1837. His brother was also a priest. He received a number of important appointments from Pope Gregory XVI and in 1843 was appointed as Nuncio to Belgium; but he returned to Italy as Bishop of Perugia in 1846. He was named to the Sacred College by Pope Pius IX in 1853.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
Leo XIII was the longest-lived pope in history; was the first pope to be born in the 19th century and the first pope of the 20th century. He was the first Pope to be filmed and the first to have his voice recorded. These films and recordings are still preserved and readily available with an internet search. He remained in good health into extreme old age, dying at the age of 93 in July, 1903. At his own request, Pope Leo was buried in the Lateran Basilica; this occurred 20 years after his death.
It was Pope Leo who composed the famous prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel recited after Low Mass.
A useful synopsis of his life and the achievements of his Papacy can be found here.
Figure 3 (above)
This is the Papal Mantum, a longer version of the cope, which was made for
Pope Leo XIII in 1880. It is made of cream silk interwoven with spun silver thread
and elaborately embellished with goldwork.
Figure 4 (above)
Engraving of a Consistory for the Creation of ten Cardinals
held in November 1884. Pope Leo is depicted sitting at
the canopied throne.
Figure 5 (above)
A set of Papal Sandals of Leo XIII, made in 1880.
These were intended for ceremonial use and not daily footwear.
These were intended for ceremonial use and not daily footwear.
Figure 6 (above)
Pope Leo carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession through the Sala Regia
of the Vatican Palace. An engraving of the 1880's.
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Figure 7 (above)
Pope Leo XIII seated in the 17th century throne
designed by Bernini for Pope Innocent X.
designed by Bernini for Pope Innocent X.
Figure 8 (above)
This magnificent Processional Cross in the Art Nouveau style
was made in France and presented to Pope Leo in 1887
to mark the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination.
was made in France and presented to Pope Leo in 1887
to mark the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination.
Figure 9 (above) and Figure 10 (below)
Two extremely rare photographs of Pope Leo
after offering Low Mass, taken in the 1890s.
Figure 9 shews the Pope kneeling at a faldstool
before the altar of the Sistine Chapel.
Figure 10 shews the Pope in his private chapel
blessing members of the Apostolic Chamber.
It is likely that the Papal Guards shewn in both photographs are the same men.
Figure 10 (above)
This magnificent portrait of Pope Leo was painted towards
the end of his life.
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Figure 11 (above)
Coat of Arms of Leo XIII.
AMDG
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