Some VPS News

NEW STAMPS COMING FEBRUARY 26 As was noted earlier this week, a new stamp honoring the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is scheduled for release this coming Thursday, February 26, and we speculated as to whether this would also be the date for the release of Vatican City’s first quarter stamp issues. This turns out to be the case. Yesterday, the Vatican Post updated its website with seven new press releases, showing six new stamp issues coming out next Thursday, along with one special stamp folder. The press releases shows the stamps and special postmarks. Here is a list of the issues coming out on February 26: Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV MMXXVI (four stamp set) Easter of the Resurrection MMXXVI 600th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Monte Berico 150th anniversary of the birth of Pope Pius XII (souvenir sheet) Bicentenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Brazil Cathedral of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, Kyiv (stamp and special folder) Here are links to the press releases and the Vatican Post 2026 Philatelic Program: Communicati 2026 Philatelic Program 2026 RELICS OF SAINT FRANCIS ON DISPLAY 750th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi Scott 612 (1977) In commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, the remains of this popular saint will be displayed for pilgrims to view for the next month. Beginning on Sunday, February 22, and continuing through Sunday, March 22, his relics will be in the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy, for viewing and veneration. As a note, the 2026 Vatican Stamp Program lists a new stamp in honor of this anniversary (the stamp is listed as a joint issue, but the other participating countries have not been provided). The date of the stamp’s release has not been announced. An article from VaticanNews.va on this event can be accessed by clicking on this link: Remains of St. Francis to be visible for veneration in Assisi