The Polish Post Office issued a postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Saint John Paul II
On Friday, October 16th, Papal Day, Poczta Polska will introduce a postage stamp with the issue tag "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Saint John Paul II." This is another joint initiative of Poland and the Vatican in the field of philatelic publishing.
The design's author, Agnieszka Sobczyńska, depicted the image of Saint John Paul II with a halo on the stamp, set against a decorative element – a fragment of embroidery by Sister Lucia dos Santos (a Portuguese nun and witness to the Marian apparitions in Fátima in 1917). The lower left corner of the stamp's tag features the inscription "100," inscribed within the papal coat of arms – two keys. The tag is available in three graphic versions, depicting: Karol Wojtyła with his mother; Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, Primate of Poland, and Cardinal Karol Wojtyła; and finally, Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
" From the very beginning of the Polish Pope's pontificate, Poczta Polska honored him with its publications and thus promoted his teachings. These were philatelic assets that portrayed the Polish Pope against the backdrop of historical events, the history of Poland, Europe, and the world. In these publications, he also guided us with his teachings. We strived to ensure that our stamps were a symbol of deep respect and gratitude for his years of priestly service and constituted a compendium of the life of this Great Pole against the backdrop of his homeland. After John Paul II's passing, our publications not only express our longing and affection, but also our hope that the teachings of Saint John Paul II are and will continue to be in the hearts of our compatriots. That we will cultivate his legacy, promote his teachings, and that new generations of Poles will come to know him and also appreciate his wise words, " said Mariusz Dawid, Director of the Philatelic Office of Poczta Polska.
In addition to the stamp, Poczta Polska has issued a limited edition First Day Delivery (FDC) envelope. It features a photo of a young Karol Wojtyła from the collection of the John Paul II Family Home Museum and a quote from the Polish Pope.
This is the second stamp this year commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Saint John Paul II. A coin issued in conjunction with the Slovak Post entered circulation in May. It depicts Pope John Paul II against the backdrop of his family home in Wadowice. The tag, meanwhile, features the silhouettes of the Polish Pope and Slovak Cardinal Jan Chryzostom Korec during John Paul II's pilgrimage to Slovakia in 1995.
About the stamp:
Author of the stamp design: Agnieszka Sobczyńska
Number of stamps: 1 stamp with tag
Value: PLN 5
Circulation: 210,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 6 stamps and 6 tags
Date of introduction into circulation: October 16, 2020
This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and online store: www.filatelistyka.poczta-polska.pl .