200th diplomatic relations Holy See and Brazil - € 2,55

To commemorate a historic milestone in international diplomacy, the Postal and Philatelic Service has released a special issue dedicated to the bicentenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Brazil. This relationship officially began on 23 January 1826 with the presentation of Monsignor Francisco Corrêa Vidigal's credentials to Pope Leo XII. Sent by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil following independence, Vidigal signalled Brazil's entry into an international arena dominated by the newly emerging Latin American states. Since then, the relationship between the two countries has been characterised by stability and continuity, evolving into a productive dialogue based on cooperation and mutual respect. Over the past two centuries, the bilateral bond has been strengthened by a shared commitment to addressing global issues such as peace, social justice and safeguarding the environment, particularly the Amazon. In Brazil, a country with the largest Catholic population, the Church plays an essential role in the education, healthcare and social support systems. The stamp features the official Bicentennial logo, which was designed by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. This graphic symbol blends the outline of the cross with the borders of Brazil to create a single composition that seals the country’s Christian identity and its profound spiritual bond with the See of Peter. Through this philatelic issue, the Holy See intends to pay tribute to a journey of friendship, looking to the future in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation through the universal language of philately.