Salerno hosts an unprecedented treasure: the lead seal used during the last Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV to seal the doors of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Apostolic Palace, is among the rarest and most significant pieces of the exhibition “The Sigils of the Popes”, which will be inaugurated on Saturday 17 May at 10 am at the Salerno State Archive. During the preview for the press, journalists and institutional representatives were able to admire some of the papal seals that make up the exhibition, curated by the historian Alessio Scarpa and promoted by the Centro Culturale Studi Storici di Eboli, the Fondazione Cassa Rurale Battipaglia and Banca Campania Centro, with the sponsorship of the Municipality of Salerno, the University of Salerno and the Archivio di Stato. Among the most exciting moments was the official presentation of the seal used in the Conclave that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV, which has been kept at the Pontifical Office of Liturgical Celebrations.
“On Saturday morning we will inaugurate the exhibition with an exceptional piece – said an excited Alessio Scarpa, historian and researcher who edited the exhibition -: the seal of the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. The seals are numerous and cover a time span that goes from the 9th century to the present day. Not only seals, but also original papal bubbles, archive photos and much more. Pieces that never left the Vatican, such as the seal of the Apostolic Chamber, used to seal the papal apartment at the death of the Pope “.
Underlining the exceptional nature of the event, Salvatore Amato, Director of the State Archives of Salerno, pointed out that this historic occasion comes at a time that the Catholic world would call providential. These rituals and formalities are being talked about all over the world. We bring to Salerno unique testimonies, not only ancient but also contemporary. The exhibition aims to tell the story of the technical, symbolic and legal evolution of the Pontifical Chancellery through wax, lead and precious metal seals: authentic works of art and social communication tools. The exhibition, which is immersive and meticulously curated, is aimed at both scholars and the general public. The project is the result of a fruitful synergy between institutions, foundations and the academic world. “It is a unique exhibition”, said Giuseppe Barra, President of the Centro Culturale Studi Storici di Eboli, “which we will also take to Puglia on 2 and 3 June.
I must thank Alessio Scarpa, who has been working with us since he was a child, and especially the Fondazione Cassa Rurale Battipaglia and Banca Campania Centro for the attention paid to this project. Carlo Crudele, Vice-President of Banca Campania Centro, concluded with pride: ‘This exhibition brings to Salerno an initiative of great cultural value. A special occasion that gives back to the area an immense heritage of culture and history. As Banca Campania Centro, we are particularly proud to have made a concrete contribution to this initiative. Federico Del Grosso, President of the Fondazione Cassa Rurale Battipaglia, underlined: “This exhibition, also organised by Il Saggio, has collected pieces of incredible historical and cultural value. By working together, we have once again had the chance to cooperate and promote culture in the area. Rosmundo Giarletta, master goldsmith and one of the promoters of the initiative, was also very pleased: “We have so many young people to develop.
Dr. Scarpa is a young researcher and, thanks to him, we have a unique exhibition in Italy that I invite everyone to visit. The initiative is also part of the city’s tourism development programme. “Where there is history and culture, the City of Salerno will always be there”, said Alessandro Ferrara, Tourism Councillor. To represent this important exhibition is an honor and a pleasure. One more flyer to attract tourists to Salerno and to enhance our territory, just a few days after the Conclave that led to the election of our new Pope. The exhibition “The Seals of the Popes” will be open from 17 to 30 May 2025 at the State Archive of Salerno (Piazza Abate Conforti, 7), with free admission. Opening hours: Monday and Friday from 8:30 to 13:30, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 17:00. The opening ceremony on Saturday 17 May will be attended by leading academic and institutional figures, including H.E. Mons. Alfonso Raimo, Auxiliary Bishop of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno; the Prof. Dr. D. R. G. G. from the University of Salerno, and the other members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In the case of the Commission, the Court of Justice has jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal against the judgment of the Court of First Instance. Mr Giuseppe Barra, President of the Cultural Centre for Historical Studies of Eboli; Prof. Giuliana Capriolo, Professor of Palaeography and Diplomacy at the University of Salerno; the Comm. Antonino Enea, Emeritus Head of the Calligraphic Office of the Vatican Secretariat of State; and Dr. Alessio Scarpa I’m not going to tell you. The meeting will be moderated by Prof. Michele Cicatelli, editor of the magazine Il Saggio. An extraordinary opportunity to admire up close the concrete signs of the history of the Church and the Papacy, through the ancient and astonishing art of the seal.
