Pope Benedict XVI

These stamps were bought when issues on 1st March 2013.

They are symbolic stamps that signify the 'sede vacante' which in English represents the pause in between a pope dying or resigning and a new pop being elected.

In fact, pope Benedict XVI was only the second pope to resign since pope Gregory resigned in 1415.

Pope Benedict XVI was the 265th pope, who's real name was Joseph Ratzinger born in Germany on 16th April 1927 and eventually died on 31st December 2022. He served the Vatican from 2005 - 2023.

The stamps are thought to depict the heraldic winged arms of the Holy, bearing the cross keys of St. Peter.

These stamps were also only valid from the date of issue on 1st March 2013 until the new pope, pope Francis was elected on 13 March 2013.

Pope Benedict XVI faced controversy due to his stance against the use of birth control in countries with high rates of HIV transmission, and he was also accused of withholding information about child sexual abuse. It was stated that he was very fond of cats and even used to look after stray cats in his neighbourhood.

I did try and get stamps from the most recent sede vacante after the death of pope Francis, but I just could not remember or figure out where I could get them from.

I hope you like this random quicky.

Stamping out,

Lisa