Pope Leo XIV featured on Vatican City stamps

By Linn’s Staff

On May 27 Vatican City issued four stamps featuring images of Pope Leo XIV, who became pope May 8 following the April 21 death of Pope Francis.

The stamps are denominated €1.25, €1.30, €2.45 and €3.20. Each stamp includes the words “Leone PP. XIV,” and “Anno I S.P. MMXXV.” The latter marks 2025 as the first year of Pope Leo’s tenure as pope.

The €1.25 and €2.45 show photographs of Pope Leo on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica immediately after his May 8 election. The €1.25 stamp pays the rate for Italy, and the €2.45 stamp for pays the rate for Africa.

The €1.30 and €3.20 stamps show photographs of Pope Leo taken May 9 when he celebrated Mass in the Sistine Chapel. The €1.30 stamp pays the rate for other European countries outside of Italy, and the €3.20 stamp covers the rate for letters sent to Australia.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.

He is the first pope born in the United States, and his early life was rooted in a multicultural family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent.

He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Villanova University in 1977, followed by a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He earned additional degrees in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Ordained as a priest in 1982, Prevost dedicated over two decades to missionary work in Peru, serving in various capacities including pastor, teacher, and eventually Bishop of Chiclayo.

As Pope, Leo XIV is recognized for his emphasis on social justice and in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and global migration.

The website of the Vatican City Philatelic Office can be found under the “Services” tab on the Vatican City website.

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