PIUS VIII

Pope Pius VII was elevated to the cardinalate as the Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria in Traspontina in 1816. He held various high offices thereafter, including that of Apostolic Penitentiary. He soon became a Cardinal-Bishop of the suburbicarian see of Frascati. Castiglioni was considered a front-runner in the conclave of 1823. He was known to be close to Pius VII, who often referred to Castiglioni as Pius VIII. However, he failed to gain the necessary votes, in part due to controversy surrounding an alliance between him and another favourite, Secretary of State Ercole Consalvi. Annibale Cardinal della Genga was elected instead, and he took the name of Pope Leo XII. Leo XII stated that Castiglioni would one day be called Pius VIII.The Collegiate of Cingoli refers to the Collegiata di Sant'Esuperanzio, a significant Romanesque and early-Gothic church located near the historic center of Cingoli, Italy. It is known for its impressive architecture, valuable artworks, and as a prominent place of worship and historical landmark in the Marche region.TranscriptionAgli Illustrissimi Signori. Li Signore Priore e Canonici della Collegiata di Cingoli 1821. Cardinale Castiglioni di Cesena. Illustrissimi Signori. Sono oltremodo tenuto all'obbligante interesse che le Signorine Loro Illustrissimé si compiacciono di prendere per me colle favoritami grasili congratulazioni per la Carica di Penitenziere Maggiore a cui sono stato chiamato per sola clemenza sovrana, e pel desiderio che mi mostrano di vedermi in Patria prima della mia gita a Roma. Rendo perciò Loro li miei distinti ringraziamenti in altostato del mio buon cuore di tanto favore e vado difficile che mi possa riuscire di appagare al detto Loro desideriò ed arco mio per le varie occupazioni che mi converrà sbrigare prima di muovermi. Pregole quindi delle Loro fervorose frazioni al Santo nostro Protettore e bramoso di fervido colla dovuta prima e la maggiore affezione ho il piaccere di confermarmi delle Signorine Loro Illustrissimé. Cesena 25 agosto 1821. Signore Priore e Canonici della Servitor vero. Collegiata di Cingoli S.S. Card. Gastiglioni TranslationTo the Most Illustrious Sirs. To the Prior and Canons of the Collegiate Church of Cingoli 1821. Cardinale Castiglioni of Cesena. Most Illustrious Sirs, I am exceedingly obliged by the gracious interest that the Most Illustrious Ladies are pleased to show toward me, through the kind and delicate congratulations you have favored me with for the office of Major Penitentiary, to which I have been called solely by sovereign clemency, and by the desire you express to see me in my homeland before my departure for Rome. I therefore offer You my distinguished thanks, from the depths of my heart, for such favor. However, I find it difficult to be able to satisfy Your aforementioned wish, due to the various commitments that I must attend to before my departure. I therefore ask You for Your fervent prayers to our Holy Protector, and, eager to reciprocate with all due affection and esteem, I have the pleasure of confirming myself,Cesena August 25th of 1821 Prior and Canons of the Devoted servant. Collegiate Church of Cingoli S.S. Card. Gastiglioni