March 13, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Vatican issued four stamps to commemorate this transitional period between the end of Benedict XVI's pontificate and the next Pope.   

The value of the stamp is 70 cents in Italy, 85 for Europe, 2 euros for the Americas, and 2.50 euros for Australia. However their use is limited to the Sede Vacante period. When the new Pope is chosen, they will become collection pieces.   

MAURO OLIVERI
Director, Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office
“The issuance of the stamps also serves to legitimize the Vatican City State, during the time without a Pope.”

The series will be especially valuable for collectors because of their historical significance. All the stamps feature the angel from the Apostolic Camera, but the design differs between them. These are the stamps issued during the Sede Vacante in 2005.

MAURO OLIVERI
Director, Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office
“The angel holds the Apostolic Camera, which is the umbrella with the two crossed keys. The symbol of the Apostolic Camera is the assembly that governs the Church during the papal vacancy, when a Pope dies, or in the case of Benedict XVI, when he resigns.”

In addition to the stamps, a commemorative 2 euro coin will be minted for the Sede Vacante. It will feature the emblem of the Camerlengo, and go into circulation starting in June.

There will also gold and silver coins with a value of 5 and 10 euros, but will be strictly commemorative.


VIC/RCarr
RR
-
- PR
-U: