[ Autographs ] PIUS XI (1857 - 1939) AMBROGIO DAMIANI ACHILLE RATI, Pope (1922-1939), signed the Laternan Treaty with Mussolini in 1929 establishing Vatican City, later denounced anti-Semitism, Communism and Nazism in encyclicals. A large and desirable piece, a signed Papalblessing "Pius P.P. XI" measuring approximately 15in x 22in featuring a striking 7in x 9in b/w photograph of the Pope at center. The blessing, written in English in another hand, reads in full: "Most Holy Father, Rev. John Joseph Hartigam humbly prostrate at the feet ofyour Holiness begs the Apostolic Benediction on the occasion of his ordination". Light dampstaining to the bottom and lower right margin, two 3in tears (repaired on verso) and small chip at top right corner do not affect text or image, and all could be easily matted out, otherwise very good. Together with another papal blessing bearing a printed signature of Pius XI with his image at top granting an "Apostolic Benediction and an Plenary Indulgence" and dated Christmas1934. Folds from rolling, otherwise very good. Two pieces.