Papal Tombs and Monuments (1800-2005) Part III

Pope Pius VIII

His Eminence Francesco Saverio Cardinal Castiglioni, Cardinal Bishop of Frascati, Grand Penitentiary, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Index, was elected Bishop of Rome on 31 March 1829 in the Quirinal Apostolic Palace, taking the name Pius VIII, and was crowned on 5 April.

Pope Pius VIII died on 30 November 1830 in Rome. He was buried on 6 December in the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica. His remains were transferred on 5 June 1846 to the Grottoes of the same basilica.

The Monument to Pius VIII was created by Pietro Tenerani. It is in the Neoclassical style and shows the Pontiff kneeling; above him is the statue of Christ enthroned, and below, are the statues of Sts. Peter and Paul. On the base are the allegorical figures of Prudence and Justice. Through the door visible beneath the monuments is the entrance to the Basilica's Sacristy and Treasury Museum.