The Sovereign Military Order of Malta pays tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his passing, which occurred on April 21, 2025.

The € 1.30 stamp depicts the Holy Father greeting the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square during one of the countless public appearances that took place during his pontificate. Specifically, the chosen image dates back to April 21, 2019, when, after celebrating the Easter Mass, Pope Francis appeared at the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to impart the Urbi et Orbi blessing.

The € 2.90 stamp depicts His Holiness together with H.E. Fra’ John T. Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, on the occasion of the audience on June 27, 2024. The meeting, as per the annual tradition, took place at the Vatican, a few days after the feast of St. John the Baptist, patron Saint of the Order of Malta, which is celebrated on June 24.

Each stamp features the inscriptions “SOVRANO MILITARE ORDINE DI MALTA” and “POSTE MAGISTRALI,” the two-line caption “IN MEMORIAM PAPA FRANCESCO,” the coat of arms of the Order of Malta, and the corresponding face value.

Credits: © Vatican Media.