2013Papal Bull 9th Centenary - First Day Cover

A Papal bull is a form of charter or diploma issued under the authority of the Pope. The word 'bull' refers to the lead 'bulla', or seal, which is used to authenticate the document.

On 15 February 1113 Pope Pascal II issued a Papal bull addressed to Gerard, who was the founder and superior of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, and to his lawful successors in perpetually.The Pope granted the Hospital the privilege to operate directly under the guardianship of the Apostolic See and the protection of the Pope. This bull is therefore the beginning of the Hospital's history as an independent institution.

The Bull also conferred several other privileges to the Order, such as the right to freely elect its leader without any interference from other secular or religious authorities and hold its property without payment of dues.