**Historic Napoleon Letter Disavowing Pope Pius VII's Arrest Set for Auction**

Historic Napoleon Letter Disavowing Pope Pius VII's Arrest Set for Auction

**Fontainebleau, France** – A historically significant letter penned by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, in which he strategically distances himself from the controversial arrest of Pope Pius VII despite having orchestrated it, is set to be a highlight at an upcoming auction. The document, offering a fascinating glimpse into Napoleonic political maneuvering, will be offered by the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau, France, this Sunday.

**Historic Napoleon Letter Disavowing Pope Pius VII's Arrest Set for Auction**

The letter, dated July 23, 1809,

captures a pivotal moment in the turbulent relationship between the French Emperor and the head of the Catholic Church. The arrest of Pope Pius VII remains one of the defining events of Napoleon's reign, reverberating through the political and religious landscape of Europe. The conflict had escalated significantly due to the Pope's steadfast refusal to fully adhere to Napoleon's Continental System – a widespread embargo aimed at crippling British trade.

Frustrated by the Pope's defiance, Napoleon had implemented increasingly
aggressive measures. He systematically undermined Papal authority by
occupying parts of the Papal States, focusing particularly on strategic ports
to enforce his blockade. French troops dramatically entered Rome on
February 2, 1808. By March of the same year, Napoleon ordered the
expulsion of non-Italian cardinals from the city, further tightening his grip.
The tension culminated in the Pope's arrest at the Vatican Palace in late July
1809.

In this remarkable letter,

addressedto his Archchancellor, Jean-Jacques Régis de Cambacérès, Napoleon constructs a narrative of plausible deniability. He writes, "The Pope was removed from Rome without my orders and against my will. Likewise, against my orders and against my will, he was taken to France, but I was only informed 10 or 12 days after it was carried out. As soon as I learn where the Pope is (...) I will consider the measures that should be taken."

Jean-Christophe Châtaignier, a partner at Osenat and the director of its
"Empire" department, emphasizes the letter's importance, describing it as a
calculated "political maneuver." "Napoleon did not want to appear as the one
who ordered the Pope's arrest," Châtaignier stated, underscoring the
document's "very historical and strategic" significance.

The letter, bearing the signature "Napol" – likely an abbreviation for Napoleon – and containing some crossed-out text suggesting careful revision, reveals the Emperor's keen awareness of the potential political backlash from imprisoning the spiritual leader of millions.

Following his arrest

, Pope Pius VII endured a period of forced relocation and confinement. He was initially taken to Grenoble in France, then transferred on August 1, 1809, to Savona, Italy, where he was held under house arrest. Subsequently, on Napoleon's orders, he was moved to the Palace of Fontainebleau itself, the very town where this revealing letter will now be auctioned.

Osenat has estimated the value of this rare historical artifact at between €12,000 and €15,000 (approximately $13,720 to $17,150). The sale presents a unique opportunity for collectors

andinstitutions to acquire a tangible piece of evidence illuminating the complex interplay of power, politics, and religion during the Napoleonic era, directly linked to the Emperor's own attempt to shape the historical record.