Pope Leo Flips through Italy’s most precious illuminated manuscript | Borso d’Este Bible

The Borso d’Este Bible, one of the supreme masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, was formally presented to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during an institutional ceremony attended by the President of the Italian Senate, Ignazio La Russa.

The encounter took on a particularly touching note when Pope Leo gently reached for the manuscript, carefully asking whether gloves were required and if he might turn its pages. Reassured that the precious volume could be handled, the Pope leafed through the codex with evident reverence, observing various Bible passages and illuminations.

Commissioned in the 15th century by Borso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara, the lavishly illuminated Bible—celebrated for its gold embellishments and Afghan lapis lazuli miniatures—stands as a pinnacle of European manuscript art, uniting exceptional artistic refinement, historical significance, and profound spiritual symbolism. It is rarely displayed outside its permanent home at the Estense Library in Modena.

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Видео Pope Leo Flips through Italy’s most precious illuminated manuscript | Borso d’Este Bible канала EWTN News