The Vatican released a new series of commemorative postage stamps marking the beginning of the papacy of Pope Leo XIV featuring historical and symbolic patterns.
The stamps, unveiled on Tuesday by the Post and Philatelic Office of the Vatican, bear the denominations of €1.25, €1.30, €2.45, and €3.20, in line with the current postal rate of the Vatican City.
According to Vatican News, the €1.25 stamp features Pope Leo XIV greeting the faithful from the Loggia of Blessings above the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, having just been elected on 8 May.
Design Highlights
The €2.45 stamp honors his first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to Rome and the world. The €1.30 and €3.20 stamps show scenes from the Pro Ecclesia Mass celebrated in the Sistine Chapel on May 9.
A special postmark has also been released, featuring Pope Leo XIV waving to the faithful after the Regina Caeli prayer on May 11.
What’s Ahead
Other Vatican stamp releases are planned for 2025. These will include commemorative releases marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of Renaissance master composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Vincenza Maria, and the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. Another special series will be released honoring noteworthy archaeological discoveries across Europe.
