_Monte di Pietà_ (Vol. iii., p. 372.)--In reply to your correspondent W.
B. H., requesting to be informed of the connexion between a "Pietà" and
a "Monte di Pietà," it may be observed that there does not appear to be
any necessary connexion between the two expressions. The term "a Pietà"
is generally used to denote the figure of the dead Saviour attended by
His Blessed Mother: for example, the celebrated one in St. Peter's at
Rome. The word "Monte," besides its signification of "montagna,"
expresses also "luogo publico ove si danno oi si pigliano denari ad
interesse;" also "luogo publico altresì dove col pegno si prestano
denari con piccolo interesse."
"Pietà," in addition to its signification of "devozione," or "virtù per
cui si ama ed onora Dia," &c., which would apply to the figure of the
dead Saviour, expresses "compassione amorevole verso il suo simile."
Monte di Pietà would therefore be a place where money was lent at
interest, on such terms as were in unison with a kind and compassionate
feeling towards our neighbour. This species of establishment was first
commenced in Italy towards the end of the fifteenth century, by Il Beato
Bernardino da Feltri, who carried his opposition to the Jews so far as
to preach a crusade against them. The earliest Monte of which any record
appears to exist was founded in the city of Padua in 1491; the effect of
which was to cause the closing of twelve loan banks belonging to the
Jews.
From Italy they were shortly afterwards introduced into France.
The first legal sanction given to these establishments was granted by
Pope Leo X. in 1551.