Interview with Father Felice Bruno, Head of the Vatican Postal and Philatelic Service

New Issues Between Faith and Art

Anniversaries, major historical events, and liturgical celebrations—many occasions find their place in the stamp issue calendar of the Postal and Philatelic Service of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governorate. Such is the case with the two stamps scheduled to release on Sunday, September 7, for the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, with four sovereign States jointly issuing these values. Father Felice Bruno, Head of the Postal and Philatelic Service, speaks about this in an interview with www.vaticanstate.va.

Is this the first time you’ve issued stamps jointly with three other States?

No, this is not the first time. Joint issues are actually a well-established practice, especially within what is called the “Italian Philatelic Area,” which includes Italy, Vatican City, San Marino, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Such joint issues arise from the desire to celebrate figures or events of great shared significance. This is the case, for example, with the two young saints, who are shining models for new generations.

Among recent joint issues of these four States, we recall the one released on June 15, 2024, marking the 160th anniversary of the Italian Red Cross, in recognition of the work of an association that, with tens of thousands of volunteers, provides aid in both national and international emergencies. Another example is the issue commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Saint Luigi Orione, created with Italy, Argentina, and the Sovereign Order of Malta, honoring the “benefactor of suffering and abandoned humanity,” as Pius XII called him.

Why dedicate stamps to the canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati?

Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati represent two faces of youthful holiness, lived with radical commitment, enthusiasm, and contagious joy. In a society often adrift and influenced by uninspiring role models, their witness offers young people a shining path: one of authenticity, self-giving, and communion with God, the source of all happiness.

Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, was able to navigate the digital world with creativity and passion, putting technology at the service of the Gospel, especially through his exhibition on Eucharistic miracles. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a university student and Dominican tertiary, combined a love of sports and mountains with intense charitable work and deep spirituality. Their canonization reminds us that young people can be protagonists and prophets of a more just and fraternal world.

What is the selection process for subjects featured in new stamp issues?

Each year, the Philatelic Committee meets to define the program to be submitted to the Governing Bodies. There are fixed and recurring issues such as those for Christmas, Easter, the Pontificate and papal journeys, alongside others marking significant ecclesial anniversaries or events.

The interdepartmental Committee also evaluates proposals from Dicasteries, dioceses, congregations and institutions that wish to commemorate events of interest to the entire Christian community.

For example, in 2024, the request of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was accepted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy with a philatelic issue. For local or more limited events, special cancellation marks are usually issued instead.

How are artists or designers selected to create the stamps?

Our illustrators are, for the most part, artists who combine a strong aptitude for figurative art with experience in both philately and numismatics.

Each has a distinctive style that makes them particularly suited to specific themes. Selecting artists based on this criterion ensures stamp designs that not only respect iconographic traditions but also reflect the creativity and unique interpretation of each artist.

Even when external artists are commissioned for the artwork, the actual graphic layout of each stamp is overseen by the Postal and Philatelic Service, which has a dedicated in-house team.

Are special printing techniques or innovative materials used for new issues?

Although traditional printing methods are generally preferred, in recent years some stamp issues have been produced with innovative materials. Responding to the UN General Assembly’s appeal for the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,” Vatican Post issued in 2022 a stamp printed on 100% recycled polyester fiber and, the following year, a stamp made entirely of recycled paper.

In collaboration with the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, the Postal and Philatelic Service is also exploring further solutions that, through modern printing techniques, can combine innovation, quality and sustainability.

What time-related criteria (anniversaries, commemorations) influence planning?

Planning primarily follows the schedule of major anniversaries—25th, 50th, 100th, and so forth—focusing on those of greatest historical, ecclesial, or cultural significance.

Does digitalization and the decline of traditional mail influence the choices of the Postal and Philatelic Service?

It is undeniable that traditional mail is in overall decline, due to the spread of faster, more immediate digital communication. However, the Vatican context is quite unique.

On one hand, pilgrims continue to send postcards from the Vatican as a keepsake and a sign of affection for their loved ones. On the other, Dicasteries and offices of the Holy See regularly use Vatican stamps for official correspondence.

Finally, Vatican philately maintains a unique global appeal: every issue is eagerly awaited by collectors because it combines the depth of faith with artistic elegance, transforming the postage stamp into a small vehicle of beauty and spirituality.