A rare collection of stamps has just been released by the Vatican postal service. The stamps feature Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church. They’re a big deal for collectors and tourists alike.
Two of the stamps show the Pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He’s giving his first blessing as the new Pope. These stamps cost 1.25 and 2.45 euros each. The other two stamps show the Pope during Mass with cardinals at the Sistine Chapel. They cost 1.30 and 3.20 euros each.
The Vatican printed 390,000 of these special stamps. Each one has the Pope’s name in Latin, “Leone PP. XIV”, and the year of his election, “Anno I S.P. MMXXV”.
For some people, these stamps are more than just a collectible item. A woman from Texas bought some to send to her friends and family. She said it’s a way to remember her trip to Rome, a city she loves.
An Italian collector, Cesare Cicotti, said that Vatican stamps might not be worth a lot of money, but they’re very valuable to collectors. They’re a way to own a piece of history.
What’s special about these stamps?
- They feature the new Pope, Leo XIV
- There are four different designs
- They’re a limited edition, with only 390,000 printed
- They’re a must-have for collectors and fans of the Pope
Sources: AP, catholicreview