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Manuscript Letter Signed “Cervini”. One page, 8½x11½”. In Italian, not translated.

Pope Paul III appointed Cervini bishop of Nicastro, Italy in 1539. He did not undergo the rite of ordination as a bishop at that time. Paul III created him the cardinal-priest of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme on December 19, 1539. Marcellus II served as Pope for only 22 days. On April 9, 1555, the fourth day of the papal conclave following the death of Julius III, (1550–55), Cervini was elected Pope despite efforts by the Emperor Charles V to veto his election. The new Pope quickly broke with long standing tradition and chose to reign under his birth name as Marcellus II. He is also the last Pope to date whose regnal name corresponds with his first name at birth. Marcellus II was both ordained as a bishop and crowned Pope on the next day in a subdued ceremony on account of it falling during the Lenten season. His ordination as a bishop was required as, although he had administered several dioceses as a bishop, he had never previously been ritually consecrated as such.