PHLPost issues Pope Leo XIV commemorative stamps

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The Philippine Postal Corporation has released a special stamp honoring Pope Leo XIV, marking his election as the 268th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and celebrating his historic ties to the Philippines.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has been commemorated in a limited-edition stamp issue that highlights his deep connection with Filipinos, having served as a missionary in Cebu and other areas of the country.

The release comes as the Philippines, home to over 85 million Catholics, joins the global Church in celebrating the pontiff’s election and spiritual leadership.

“This stamp issue pays tribute to Pope Leo XIV’s deep spiritual leadership and his commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and global unity — values that deeply resonate with the Filipino people,” PHLPost said in a statement.

PHLPost printed 10,000 copies of the commemorative stamp, priced at PHP17 each, along with a matching First Day Cover available at the Postshop in the Manila Central Post Office Compound at Liwasang Bonifacio.

The stamps feature portraits of Pope Leo XIV alongside symbols of his papacy, adding both artistic and spiritual value to the collection.

PHLPost emphasized that pope-themed stamps remain highly prized among philatelists globally, often cherished not just for their rarity and design but for the personal connections they foster with the pontiff.

“Through this commemorative release, PHLPost reaffirms its mission to preserve history, culture, and faith through philately, the art of stamp collecting,” the agency added.

Stamp collecting, or philately, has long been used by nations to mark pivotal moments in national and global history, often serving as cultural artifacts and reflections of shared identity.

Pope Leo XIV’s tenure is seen by many as a beacon of pastoral care and inclusivity, qualities that have endeared him to a wide global audience, including Filipinos who remember his time serving local communities.