In 1846 this enchanting portable papal throne was donated to Blessed Pius IX. Popes used this throne when they formally announced the creation of new cardinals at a Vatican Consistory, and also on other important occasions such as some gatherings of the College of Cardinals.
It bears the arms of both Pius IX and the House of Savoy (the Principality of Seborga), depicted in enamel. The familiar arms of Pius IX can be seen at the top while at the bottom can be seen the blue Samnite shield depicted on a cartouche with white Greek cross, surmounted by a royal crown, finished with trident and cornucopia.
The throne was a gift in commemoration of significant years in the life of Pius IX: 1819 (the year of his priestly ordination) and 1827 (the year he was consecrated a bishop), with corresponding carvings on each side at the top denoting the priesthood and episcopacy. It also commemorates the year 1846, when he was elected pope. Pio IX used this throne until his death in 1878 at age 85.
On the seat is the papal emblem of the tiara with crossed keys and the words "VBI PETRVS IBI ECCLESIA," ("Where Peter is, there is the Church") surrounded with the emblems of the four Gospels with the names: MARCVS, IOHANNES, LVCAS, MATHAEVS.
One armrest has these words displayed, "EPISTOLAE BEATI PAVLI with the image of a sword and palm branch while on the other armrest there is a cross and fish, with no words.
When Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005, this beautiful throne was rescued from storage in the Lateran Palace and was brought back to the Vatican's Apostolic Palace for use again. It was unfortunately never used during the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II, who perhaps was fearful it would appear too ostentatious for the subdued modernistic tastes of the time.
Pope Francis chose not to use it, and so it has been relegated to a museum at the Papal Summer Villa at Castel Gandolfo. The author was privileged to visit here earlier this year and took the liberty to photograph it in order to share images of this great work of beauty.
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