1st anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV

The Vatican is marking with a special stamp issue the first anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, which took place on 8 May 2025—the day on which the Church celebrates Our Lady of Pompeii with the recitation of the prayer. The stamp features a portrait of the Holy Father, with the Virgin of the Rosary in the background, her gaze turned towards him as a sign of maternal protection. The series aims to pay tribute to the Holy Father’s first year of pontificate, retracing its most significant moments from the day of his election, when, appearing at the central loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, he addressed his first message to the world, focusing on the themes of peace, universal brotherhood, communion and shared responsibility. Over the course of these twelve months, Pope Leo XIV’s teaching has been characterised by a particular focus on the major challenges of our time. Among the most significant moments are: the constant call for peace in international contexts marked by tensions and conflicts; the commitment to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, promoted through high-profile meetings with representatives of different denominations and religious traditions; the publication of his first Apostolic Exhortation dedicated to the poor, human dignity and social justice; apostolic journeys to areas particularly affected by economic and social fragility; and initiatives for the care of creation, in keeping with the teaching of his predecessors. With this issue, the Vatican Philatelic Office aims not only to mark a significant anniversary, but also to provide a means of remembrance and reflection on a year of the Pontificate that has already left a profound mark on the journey of the Church and the international community.