Poste Magistrali is dedicating a postal issue to World Children’s Day, established by the United Nations and celebrated on November 20 each year.

The sheet, produced in collaboration with the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, depicts the work “L’infanzia dell’umanità” by artist Marco Capasso. Handprints, among the first traces of humanity, are also among the first creative gestures of every child, their keen desire to leave a mark on the world. Handprints of many colors represent the multiplicity of ethnicities and cultures, close to each other, similar but different, innocent and pure.

This image decorated the special scarf presented as a gift to His Holiness Pope Francis on the occasion of the “International Summit on the Rights of Children” held on February 3, 2025, in the Vatican, presided over by the Holy Father. Among the numerous institutional representatives, political leaders, and humanitarian organizations in attendance was the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo.

Since its origins, the Order of Malta has paid particular attention, in pursuit of its mission, to the protection and care of children, who are by nature among the most needy and vulnerable: from birth, to nutrition, to education. The Order of Malta currently carries out numerous works around the world in favor of children; among these, the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem stands out.

Inside the stamp, in the center of the sheet, is the inscription “WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY,” the words “SOVRANO MILITARE ORDINE DI MALTA” and “POSTE MAGISTRALI,” the coat of arms of the Order, and the face value “€3.35”.

The sheet bears, at the top center on two lines, the heading “SOVRANO MILITARE ORDINE DI MALTA” and “POSTE MAGISTRALI,” the coat of arms of the Order on the left, and that of its activities on the right. At the bottom center, on two lines, the inscription “20 NOVEMBRE 2025 GIORNATA MONDIALE DELL’INFANZIA,” as well as the caption “Marco Capasso, L’infanzia dell’umanità, 2024”.

Credits: Marco Capasso; Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day.