A precious illuminated bible, commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Bald in 866, is on view for the first time in the Abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome.

The bible, composed of 366 parchment pages magnificently decorated by the monk Ingolberto from the leading miniaturist school of Rheims, was presented by the emperor to Pope John VIII when he was crowned in 875. During the entire medieval period this bible was used to consecrate the oath of loyalty to the Popes sworn by the emperors.

The bible will be on view in the Abbey every day until the 29 th June, the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul when Pope Benedict XVI is to visit the tomb of the Apostle Paul in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.