Sixtus Papa V. Ad perpetuam rei memoriam.

(ITALY)

Rome

October 1586

Papal Bull of Sixtus V, beginning with the significant phrase Chriana pietas (“Christian piety”), which relieved the Jews of many oppresive social and economic restrictions which had been imposed on them by Popes Paul IV and Pius V. The bull’s provisions fix the rules and living conditions for the Jews whom Sixtus V had invited to resettle the various localities of the Papal States. Such as, permission to deal freely in foodstuffs, and most significantly, jurisdiction in both criminal and civil cases involving Jews in the Holy City of Rome, belong solely to the Pope’s Roman vicar. Kenneth R. Stow makes the case that the goal of Sixtus V’s Jewry policy was conversion. Indeed, “Christiana pietas,” Sextus states, permits Jews to dwell among Christians, “so that these Hebrews, impressed by such piety, will recognize their errors, and will arrive at the true light of clarity, which is Christ.” The Jews however, enjoyed Sixtus V’s relief for a few years only. In 1593, Clement VIII, in the infamous Papal Bull, beginning with the significant phrase Caeca et Obdurata (“Blind and Obdurate”), reverted to the previus situation. Clement VIII promulgated a number of edicts of social and economic restrictions against the Jews, many remaining in force until the 19th century. See Kenneth R. Stow, Catholic Thought and Papal Jewry Policy 1555-1593 (1977) pp.21-24. Clement VIII’s Bull, Caeca et Obduratawas sold by Kestenbaum & Company, June 22nd, 1999, Lot 428.