This medallion was designed in 1929 by Ludovico Pogliaghi and Enrico Farè at the Milanese workshop of Stefano Johnson to commemorate the signing of the Lateran Pacts between the Fascist regime and the Catholic Church. It was produced in bronze with a diameter of 100.4 mm, weighing 615 g.

On the obverse, St. Peter sits opposite the goddess Italia, each reaching out one hand toward the other. The saint, signified by a halo and the Keys of the Kingdom, is depicted sitting on a cliff supported by angels. Personified Italy is represented as Italia turrita (turreted Italy), holding a bundle of fasces. In the background, the top of St. Peter’s Cathedral, flanked by two minor domes, dominates the skies. On the very top, two angels are presenting an olive branch.

The medal’s reverse features two angels holding a scroll displaying the Latin legend, representing the official papers on which the treaty was signed. Above them are the Pope’s coat of arms with the two keys, a cherub, and the papal tiara; the coat of arms of the Italian Kingdom, featuring a heraldic shield decorated with an eagle; and the coat of arms of the House of Savoy, topped by a crowned and flanked by fasces. Between the two coats of arms is a cross symbolising their shared Christian bond.

The Lateran Pacts, named after the Lateran Basilica in Rome, where they were signed, constitute an important moment in the history of the Fascist regime and Italy. The Papacy was given sovereignty of the Vatican while the Fascist regime received the support of the Church, strengthening its position among religious Italians. Whereas many Italian Catholics had been torn between the political regime and the Church, which often coexisted in tension, the Lateran Pacts ensured at least a superficial peace between the two institutions.

The Latin text on the medal is exceptional not only for its length but also because it is signed by the composer. Usually, it is unclear who authored the Latin on medals and similar items.

Because of its heavy reliance on Christian symbolism, the medal’s allegiance appears more Catholic than Fascist. This can also be seen in the way in which Italia is presented as standing in front of a seated St. Peter.

Bibliography

Casolari, Gianfranco. 1996. 25 anni di storia: medaglie e decorazioni mussoliniane, 1922 - 1945. Tipolito Giusti. [VII.10]

Stabilimento S. Johnson. 1983. 150 anni di medaglie Johnson, 1836-1983. Milan: Cartonato. [187]

Erlend Myklebust