PhilPost issues commemorative stamp honoring Pope Leo XIV

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) has released a commemorative stamp honoring Pope Leo XIV, celebrating both his historic election as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the 100th day of his papacy.

The special stamp, shared by PHLPost in a social media post on Wednesday, August 6, features portraits of Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost — alongside his coat of arms and the silhouette of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. 

PHLPost said the release pays tribute to the American-Peruvian pontiff’s "deep spiritual leadership" and "his commitment to compassion, inclusivity and global unity, values that deeply resonate with the Filipino people."

Pope Leo XIV has a long-standing connection with the Philippines, having previously traveled to parts of the country as a missionary and head of the worldwide order of Augustinians. 

As Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013, Prevost visited the Philippines at least nine times — most frequently in Cebu, the historic heart of Augustinian missions in Asia. His pastoral visits included blessing the friary in Talisay City, Cebu, in January 2004; attending provincial chapters in Iloilo and Cebu; inaugurating the Santo Niño Spirituality Center in Consolacion, Cebu in 2008; and presiding over Mass at San Agustín Church in Intramuros during the Augustinians' intermediate general chapter in 2010. 

"As a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines joins the global Catholic community in prayer and celebration, cherishing this significant moment in Church history," PHLPost said in its post.

PHLPost printed 10,000 copies of the commemorative stamp, priced at P17 each. A First Day Cover is also available.

Both items can be purchased at the Postshop in the Manila Central Post Office Compound, Annex I Building, Liwasang Bonifacio.

Papal stamps are considered highly collectible worldwide for their historical value and limited availability, especially those tied to major events in Church history.