Rare 1868 Vatican Holy Face Certificate – Enrico Campello – St. Peter's Basilica For Sale

Antique 1868 Vatican Relic Certificate – St. Peter’s Basilica – Veil of Veronica – Wax Seal – Signed by Enrico di Campello

Offered is an original 19th-century Vatican relic certificate, dated 1868, issued from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome during the pontificate of Pope Pius IX.

The Latin document is headed:

“Sacrosanctae Basilicae Principis Apostolorum de Urbe – Canonicus”

This identifies the issuing authority as a Canon of the Most Holy Basilica of the Prince of the Apostles in Rome, meaning St. Peter’s Basilica.

The certificate refers to the “Domini Nostri Jesu Christi” — Our Lord Jesus Christ — and includes language connected with the “Sudarium Veronicae,” or Veil of Veronica, one of the most famous Passion relics venerated in Rome. It also references sacred relics of the Cross and Lance of Christ, preserved and venerated in the Basilica.

A handwritten insertion appears to refer to an “original impression,” indicating this was a devotional contact relic or certified image associated with the relic tradition of the Veil of Veronica.

The document is dated:

Anno Domini MDCCCLXVIII
1868

It also references the 23rd year of the pontificate of Pope Pius IX, which corresponds correctly with the year 1868.

The certificate bears an original red wax ecclesiastical seal, still present and intact, with expected age cracking and visible impressed detail. It remains mounted in an antique gilt frame with aged backing and glass.

Of particular historical interest, the signature appears to read Enrico di Campello, likely Count Enrico di Campello, who served as a Canon of St. Peter’s Basilica before later becoming known for leaving the Roman Catholic clergy and founding an Italian Catholic reform movement. This makes the piece especially interesting beyond the usual Vatican relic certificate, as it appears to have been signed while Campello was still serving in his official Vatican role.

• Date: 1868
• Period: Pope Pius IX era
• Origin: St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome / Vatican
• Type: Catholic relic certificate / authenticum / contact relic certificate
• Relic association: Veil of Veronica, Cross, Lance of Christ
• Language: Latin with handwritten entries
• Seal: Original red wax ecclesiastical seal
• Signature: Appears to be Enrico di Campello, Canon of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Presentation: Framed antique devotional display
• Size: Framed Dimension- 9 1/2 inches long by 8 inches wide-Unframed: 8 inches by 6 3/4 in.-backing & certificate are one piece.

The document shows age-related toning, staining, fading, and wear consistent with a paper item from the mid-19th century. The red wax seal is intact but naturally cracked from age. The frame shows wear, losses, and patina, all consistent with age and long-term display. The item has been removed from the original frame for photography. and returned back to frame

Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.

Relic certificates of this type were issued to authenticate devotional objects associated with sacred relics. In this case, the certificate references the Veil of Veronica, a major relic tradition connected with the face of Christ, along with other Passion relics preserved at St. Peter’s Basilica.

This is a scarce and historically interesting example of a Vatican-issued 1868 relic certificate, retaining its original wax seal and antique framed presentation. This is a framed certificate ONLY.