Travels of Pope Benedict XVI
2012

The apostolic travels of Pope Benedict XVI during 2012 are commemorated on two stamps. The €0,70 value recalls the Holy Father's visit to Mexico 23-25 March (and later Cuba). In Mexico he visited the city of León in the state of Guanajuato. During his addresses and at the celebration of Mass, he called for a renewal of evangelism among Spanish-speaking citizens of Latin America. He also offered prayers for hardships suffered by families in Mexico. Benedict then traveled to Cuba, visiting Santiago de Cuba and Havana from March 26-29. His speeches build upon the theme by his predecessor Pope John Paul II during his 1998 visit to Cuba, calling for religious freedom for the Church to carry out its mission. The €0,85 stamp is devoted to Pope Benedict's travels to Lebanon on 14-16 September. He promulgated the Post Synodical Exhortation of the Special Assembly for the Middle East Communion and Witness (2010). The Exhortation was delivered to the Eastern and Latin Patriarchs and Bishops of the Middle East to pursue fidelity to Christianity with ancient roots in a diverse and often troubled region of the Mediterranean. In his presentation at the Beirut City Centre Waterfront on 16 September, Benedict stated. "Dear Church in the Middle East, draw from the source of salvation which became a reality in this unique and beloved land! Follow in the footsteps of your fathers in faith, who by tenacity and fidelity opened up the way for humanity to respond to the revelation of God! Among the wonderful diversity of saints who flourished in your land, look for examples and intercessors who will inspire your response to the Lord's call to walk towards the heavenly Jerusalem..." 250,000 sets of the €0,70 and €0,85 value stamps depict different poses of Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican also issued 60,000 booklets containing two of each of the single stamps. This was the 22nd booklet issued by the Vatican. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1542 - 1543a Date Issued - 07 November 2013 Face Value - €0,70, €0,85 Perforations - 13.65 x 13.77 Printing Process - Offset Printer - Printex (Malta) Max Printed - 250,000

(Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 62 Issue: 359 Page: 4-6)