

Pope Francis announced a Holy Year of Mercy, beginning 8 December 2015 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) and continuing until 20 November 2016 (Solemnity of Christ the King). To mark the Jubilee of Mercy, ten stamps (two stamps each on five different occasions from 19 November 2015 to 17 November 2016) were issued focusing on the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy. The first two commemorative Jubilee of Mercy stamps were issued on 19 November 2015 and described below. The Vatican issued two additional stamps on four separate dates during 2016 to recognize the Jubilee. The new Jubilee of Mercy stamps and related products include two stamps announcing the Opening of the Holy Year, a folder with two first day covers of the two stamps, and a compact disc with music from the Mass. The CD continues issuance of a philatelic musical issue begun in 2009 and includes the stamps. The €0,80 stamp design depicts Pope Francis in front of the Holy Door with an inscription regarding its opening on 8 December 2015. The €0,95 value depicts classic iconography of the Immaculate Conception based upon the Book of Revelation of a woman clothed with the sun. The stamps were designed by Gabriella Titotto and issued in sheets of ten. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1608 - 1609 Date Issued - 19 November 2015 Face Value - €0,80, €0,95 Perforations - 13x13.25 Printing Process - Offset Printer - Cartor (France) Max Printed - 250,000 |
| (Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 64 Issue: 367 Page: 4-6) |