Rosary of Pope Paul VI's apostolic journey to Turkey, held July 25–26, 1967 - Metal, Glass - 1967 - Pilgrimage to Turkey, 1967

Exclusive and rare rosary of Pope Paul VI that he donated to the authorities met during the apostolic journey of Pope Paul VI in Turkey carried out from July 25 to 26, 1967, starting from Rome and visiting the cities of Istanbul, Ephesus, and Smyrna (Izmir) before returning to Italy.

The rosaries donated by the Popes during these overseas trips were not mere gifts, but symbolized a spiritual bond and an invitation to pray for the unity of Christians, which was the core of that historic mission, for this reason the rosary offered here in the auction is indeed an extremely rare object!

Also the leather box with a fabric lining was made specifically for the occasion, externally bearing the itinerary with the dates, while inside the Pan Am logo was stamped, the airline with which the Pope made the journey and which for the occasion made available a four-engine Boeing 707-321B (registered with tail number N422PA) that was specifically renamed "Jet Clipper Saint Paul" and customized with the papal coat of arms printed on the fuselage.

The charter flight departed from Rome–Fiumicino Airport on July 25, 1967 bound for Istanbul.

In Istanbul, during the historic ecumenical meetings (such as the one with Patriarch Athenagoras I) and the visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the Pope distributed rosaries and extraordinary papal medals minted specifically for the trip to Turkey.

In Ephesus (Smyrna), visiting the Shrine of the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi), the act of gifting and Marian prayer took on an even deeper meaning. In addition to the rosaries donated to the faithful and the local community, Paul VI left as a special gift to the shrine a bronze lamp bearing his papal coat of arms.

This precious and exclusive rosary that has come down to us has been preserved in excellent condition.

Length 52 cm

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