A stamp and a special postmark to celebrate the rebirth of the Basilica of Saint Benedict in Norcia

The Postal and Philatelic Service of the Governorate of Vatican City State celebrates the reopening of the Basilica of Saint Benedict in Norcia — rebuilt after the severe damage caused by the 2016 earthquake — with the issue of a stamp and a special “Die Emissionis” postmark.

This initiative accompanies the new dedication of the Basilica, a symbol of Benedictine spirituality and of the ability to rise again from the wounds of time and natural disaster. The building, erected between 1290 and 1338 on the site traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Saints Benedict and Scholastica, is the fruit of centuries of history and artistic interventions that blend Gothic and Romanesque elements in a harmony of light and austerity.

The restoration has given back to the city and the monastic community a place of faith and silence, but also a sign of hope for the entire Church. The renewed Basilica once again becomes a spiritual and cultural landmark for Europe.

The new stamp, with a face value of €1.30, depicts Saint Benedict Pacis Nuntius (Messenger of Peace), surrounded by architectural motifs inspired by the Basilica. The Saint holds in his hands the Rule, recognizable by its opening words, Obsculta o fili.

The graphic design, simple and luminous, is dominated by white — the color of purity, peace, and spiritual rebirth.

For the occasion, a circular postmark (38 mm in diameter) featuring a detail from the Pacis Nuntius sketch created for the decoration of the Basilica will also be available.

The postmark bears the inscriptions: “Dedicazione della Basilica di San Benedetto” [Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Benedict], “Poste Vaticane” and “Die emissionis 31.10.2025.”

The postmark can be requested at the Post Office in St. Peter’s Square on October 31 and November 3, 2025, or from the Cancellations Department of the Postal and Philatelic Service until December 1, 2025.

To enrich philatelic collections, a commemorative envelope dedicated to the Basilica of Saint Benedict is also available, offered individually or within a limited-edition celebratory folder. The vignette on the commemorative envelope reproduces the 19th-century statue of Saint Benedict and is sold at €4.00. The dedicated folder, measuring 20 x 14 cm (horizontal, two panels), contains one commemorative envelope and is priced at €10.00.

All products are available at the sales points of the Postal and Philatelic Service.
With this issue, the Vatican City renews its message of faith, rebirth and peace, reminding us that — like the Basilica of Norcia — the human spirit too can rise again from its ruins.