PHLPost honors Pope Francis with special commemorative stamp

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has released a special commemorative stamp in honor of the late Pope Francis, celebrating his enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and service to humanity.

PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Luis Carlos said the initiative is the agency’s “humble way of honoring a global religious figure who has touched countless lives, including millions of Filipinos.”

The stamp is presented in a se-tenant format—two connected stamps with distinct designs—symbolizing the dual aspects of Pope Francis’ influence: his spiritual humility and his strong advocacy for peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

A total of 20,000 copies of the commemorative stamps have been printed, along with 1,000 Official First-Day Covers featuring the new stamps and a special cancellation mark dated with the official release.

This is not the first time PHLPost has honored Pope Francis. In 2015, a commemorative stamp was issued during his historic visit to the Philippines, capturing his emotional stop in Tacloban City where he stood in solidarity with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. A year earlier, PHLPost marked the first anniversary of his papacy with a dedicated stamp.

Pope Francis, elected in 2013 as the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican City State, served until his passing on April 21, 2025. His papacy was known for its emphasis on humility, inclusivity, and global engagement.

PHLPost officials underscored that the new release reflects the agency’s commitment to using philately as a medium for education, cultural expression, and the preservation of national and global heritage.

The commemorative stamps and First-Day Covers are now available for purchase at the Manila Central Post Office.