160th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Italian Red Cross

The Vatican, Italy, the Republic of San Marino, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta are jointly commemorating the Italian Red Cross—the world’s largest humanitarian organization—on the 160th anniversary of its founding. The origins of the Red Cross trace back to Swiss philanthropist and businessman Henry Dunant. After witnessing the brutal Battle of Solferino on June 24, 1859, he was outraged by the lack of care provided to wounded soldiers left abandoned on the battlefield. Moved to action, he gathered men and women to bring them water, food, and medical aid. This initiative inspired the creation of the International Red Cross Movement. Following the Geneva Conference of 1863, various national Red Cross societies were established, including the Italian Red Cross, founded in Milan on June 15, 1864, by Dr. Cesare Castiglioni under the name Committee of the Italian Association for Aid to the Wounded and Sick in War. The symbol of the organisation, a red cross on a white background, was chosen in 1864 as a tribute to the Swiss Confederation, inverting the colours of its flag. In these 160 years the history of the Italian Red Cross has been intertwined with the history of Italy: in the good times, in the great events, in the disasters that have affected the nation, but also in the individual local realities. Millions of volunteers, and thousands of workers are unceasingly committed, every day, to offering relief and assistance to areas hit by environmental disasters, torn by conflicts, in aid and in favour of migrants, the last and the most vulnerable, faithful to the motto “everywhere and for everyone”. On 6 April last, the Holy Father received in audience operators and volunteers of the Italian Red Cross and expressed his deep gratitude for their constant commitment ‘inspired by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and volunteerism’ [...] ‘a visible sign that fraternity is possible’. This was the Holy Father's wish: “May the Red Cross always remain an eloquent symbol of a love for our brothers and sisters that has no boundaries, be they geographical, cultural, social, economic or religious”. The stamp, illustrated by Tiziana Trinca and issued as a miniature sheet of four stamps, depicts several volunteers engaged in rescue operations following the collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa. At the top, the logo of the 160th anniversary stands prominently.On the left margin of the sheet, a series of votive candles appear, their flames shaped as flambeaux bearing once again the Red Cross emblem.