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Giovanni
Antonio Facchinetti was born in Crodo, northern Italy. He lived
from July 20, 1519 to December 30, 1591.
Opposite
the tomb of Benedict XV is the sarcophagus with the remains of
Innocent IX Facchinetti, who was pope during the last 2 months
of 1591. He was buried in a simple provisional tomb, against the
dividing wall between the old and new basilica.
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On September 25, 1606, the tomb was opened and the great nephews
of the pope had the remains transferred to a new, modest tomb. Its
front was made from 3 marble slabs, the one in the center bearing
the inscription with the pope's name (today affixed above the sarcophagus).
The lateral slabs were decoreated with Greek crosses in bas-relief.
The present tomb of Innocent IX is a 3rd c. sarcophagus. It was
given its present location during the restoration of the grottoes
in the middle of the 20th century. The simple marble box has a blank
inscription plate and an ornate frame decorated with acanthus leaves.
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The sarcophagus of Innocent IX
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Source:
Roma Sacra The Vatican Grottoes, © Fabbrica of St. Peter's, June 2003 |
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