Wed Apr 30 05:53:17 UTC 2025: ## Vatican Releases Special Stamps Marking Papal Interregnum
**Vatican City, April 30, 2025** – The Vatican has released a series of commemorative stamps to mark the period between the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor. These “sede vacante” stamps, featuring two crossed keys, went on sale on April 28th and will only be valid until a new Pope is elected.
Four denominations are available, ranging from €1.25 to €3.20, each depicting three angels holding a canopy over the papal keys. Collectors are anticipating increased value once a new Pope is chosen. Francesco Santarossa, owner of a collector’s shop near St. Peter’s Square, noted that while their postal value will expire, their collectible value will rise.
The last time such stamps were issued was in 2012 following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. The tradition of issuing sede vacante stamps dates back to 1929. The conclave to elect the new Pope begins on May 7th.
First Piper 