The pontiff comforted her and required from Napoleon the due solemnization of his marriage; it was therefore secretly performed by Napoleon's uncle, Cardinal Fesch, two days before the coronation.
"The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)"
John Holland Rose
On the morrow a high mass was celebrated by the Cardinal in the presence of the whole Court; and during its solemnization he was seated under a canopy of cloth of gold at the right-hand side of the altar, where a chair had been prepared for him upon a platform raised three steps above the floor.
"The Life of Marie de Medicis, Vol. 1 (of 3)"
Julia Pardoe
The document was then transferred to two of the attendant prelates, by whom it was read aloud; and subsequently the authority given by the Pope for the solemnization of the marriage was, in like manner, made public.
"The Life of Marie de Medicis, Vol. 1 (of 3)"
Julia Pardoe