150th anniversary of the birth of Pope Pius XII - € 1,35

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Pope Pius XII (born Eugenio Pacelli), a significant figure of the 20th century who led the Church during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history, the Vatican City State has released a special philatelic issue. Born in Rome on 2 March 1876 and ordained as a priest in 1899, Pacelli rendered distinguished service to the Holy See. He served as Apostolic Nuncio in Germany and later as Secretary of State under Pope Pius XI. Elected to the Chair of Peter on 2 March 1939, he assumed leadership of the universal Church on the eve of the Second World War. His long ministry (1939–1958) was characterised by his tireless diplomatic and pastoral efforts in defence of peace and human dignity. These efforts culminated in the post-war period with an extraordinary magisterium, the proclamation of the dogma of the Assumption (1950) being a notable example. The stamp features a celebrated portrait of Pius XII, painted by Leonard Boden in 1949. Preserved in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the work conveys the Pontiff’s gaze with expressive intensity, underscoring his spiritual stature and composed authority. Through this issue, Vatican philately pays tribute to a great pope and offers an opportunity for historical reflection. By issuing this stamp, Vatican philately honours a leading figure in the history of the universal Church, helping to preserve his memory and encourage historical and spiritual reflection on a Magisterium that profoundly shaped the Church’s journey towards modernity.