Presentation of the postage stamp dedicated to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Indonesia

In the spirit of collaboration and friendship

With this issue, the Postal and Philately Service of the Governorate of Vatican City State “intends to pay tribute to an anniversary of great significance in the history of the Holy See’s international relations and in the life of the Catholic community in Indonesia itself.” This was emphasized by Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate, during the presentation of the postage stamp dedicated to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Indonesia. The ceremony took place in the conference room of the Vatican Museums on Friday afternoon, 14 November.

Among those present were Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, H.E. Mr. Michael Trias Kuncahyono, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Holy See, Antonino Intersimone, Director of the Telecommunications and Information Systems, Alberto Albanese, Deputy Director for Administration and Management for the Vatican Museums, Rev. Felice Bruno, Head of the Postal and Philately Service and the artist who designed the stamp image, Patrizio Daniele.

With this issue, the Vatican Post seeks to recognize the role that these diplomatic relations have played on the international stage and in the shared commitment to peace and dialogue among nations, in respect for human dignity. The official beginning of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the new nation Indonesia dates back to July 6, 1949. Today, the Catholic presence in Indonesia is a living and respected part of the social fabric, constantly committed to interreligious dialogue, peace, and the promotion of the common good.

Address of Archbishop Emilio Nappa:

I extend my greetings to His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State;
to His Excellency Mr. Michael Trias Kuncahyono, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Holy See; to Engineer Antonino Intersimone, Director of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governorate of Vatican City State, to the Authorities and to all of you present here.

It is an honor and a joy for me to take part today in the ceremony for the presentation of the commemorative postage stamp issued on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Indonesia. With this issue, the Postal and Philately Service of the Governorate of Vatican City State wishes to pay tribute to an anniversary of great significance in the history of the Holy See’s international relations and in the life of the Catholic community in Indonesia.

Diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Indonesia were officially established on July 6, 1949, at a crucial moment in the country’s history, when the young Republic was entering the international scene driven by a deep aspiration for freedom, justice, and unity. The bond of friendship has its roots already in the 1940s when, by the will of Pope Pius XII, the first Apostolic Delegation to the Indonesian archipelago was established. Furthermore, the Holy See was the first European entity to recognize the new Indonesian State.

Over these seventy-five years, the dialogue between the Catholic Church and Indonesian institutions has grown stronger and richer, also thanks to the active presence of local Catholic communities engaged in education, healthcare and social solidarity. We recall with particular gratitude the pastoral visit of Saint John Paul II in 1989, a moment that eloquently testified to the mutual desire to strengthen the ties of friendship and to foster respect and collaboration among different religious traditions.

The commemorative stamp presented today depicts the symbols of the two States: the crossed keys of St. Peter, emblem of the Vatican, and the Garuda Pancasila, the national symbol of Indonesia. Between them is a dove in flight, a universal image of peace, expressing the friendship and hope that unite our two States. Finally, the motto “Binnéka Tùnggal ika”, meaning “unity in diversity,” is inscribed on the stamp—of which Indonesia is a magnificent example, as the result of tireless promotion of interreligious dialogue.

This stamp, small yet precious, is intended to be more than a mere collector’s item: it symbolizes a bond born of a shared faith in God and carries a message of peace, friendship, and common values—including the protection of human rights, care for the environment, peace, and fraternal coexistence among diverse cultures.
May it remind all of us that bridges built through dialogue and solidarity are the foundation of a more peaceful and humane world.

Thank you.