Pitts Theology Library
Archives and Manuscripts Department
| Descriptive Summary | |
| Creator: | Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Mainz (Germany). Archbishop (1515-1545: Albert). |
| Title: | Albertus Dei et Apostolice Sedis Gratia Maguntinen...Indulgence, 1515. |
| Call Number: | Manuscript Collection No. 085 |
| Extent: | 1 item (30.2 cm x 20.2 cm) |
| Abstract: | Indulgence for priests and other clergy issued at the instance of Johann Tetzel to support the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. |
| Language: | Materials entirely in Latin. |
| Administrative Information | |
| Restrictions on Access | Unrestricted access. |
| Terms Governing Use and Reproduction | All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction. |
| Additional Physical Form | The Albertus Dei et Apostolice Sedis Gratia Maguntinen...Indulgence has been digitized and is available on the Pitts Theology Library Homepage. |
| Citation | Archdiocese of Mainz Indulgence, MSS 085, Archives and Manuscript Department, Pitts Theology Library, Emory University. |
| Processing | Processed by Jackie W. Ammerman, December 1994. |
Historical Note
Indulgences were issued to defray the cost of building the basilica of St. Peter in Rome. Their distribution was often linked to the sacrament of penance, as believers were granted spiritual merits in exchange for financial donations.
Scope and Content Note
This particular indulgence, believed to be the only specimen of its kind thus far recovered, was issued specifically to clergy, granting them liturgical benefits in exchange for their contributions. The printing of this indulgence was probably ordered by Johann Tetzel himself and carried out by Melchior Lotter, the Elder, who was also to print Luther's ninety-five theses two years later.
This is the only copy of this edition of this indulgence recovered. J. Tetzel was responsible for the printing of 11 indulgences, issued in 15 editions. This copy was found within a book binding dated 1530, serving as an end paper, by the German bibliographer and Reformation scholar Fritz Beyer in 1937.
Last Modified: January 26, 2015 (bcw)