** The vacant sede: a new philatelic chapter and a meeting with history **
The recent program of special stamps devoted to the vacant sede period, marking the interrelage between the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor, represents a significant moment not only for philatelists, but also for those interested in the internal dynamics of the Vatican. This period, which means “vacant seat” in Latin, arouses broader reflections on the impact of the transition within the Catholic Church.
### Intrigue and a craze
The stamps, put into circulation last Monday, are not simple collectibles. They also embody a time of transition, a moment when continuity and change intertwine. Philatelists from around the world, as Illustrate by Francesco and his father Ermenegildo Santossa, managers of a boutique of numismatics and stamps near the Saint-Pierre basilica, are attracted by this rarity. What does it mean to have such a stamp for a collector? Is it only a question of aesthetics and market value, or does this also represent a symbolic link with the evolution of the Church?
Ermenegildo Santossa, former gendarme of the Vatican, testifies to a passion for stamps that dates back to his childhood. His commitment to the protection of the Church, illustrated by his intervention during the attack against John Paul II in 1981, testifies to the underlying history which colors this new object of desire for collectors. This also raises a broader question: how can tragic events and moments of tension influence the way in which a community is committed with its cultural heritage?
### A window on contemporary history
The vacant sede, although references to a specific moment in the Catholic Church, also allows us to explore more universal themes such as continuity, change and resilience. For example, the fact that the Santossa store is a place of living history and knowledge transmission evokes the importance of collective memory. How do personal and event stories intertwine to shape our understanding of the present?
The collections of memories, like that of Ermenegildo, illustrate the complexity of individuals who work behind the scenes and who, sometimes, remain invisible in the great story of the Church. This invites us to reflect on how each voice contributes to current history, a particularly relevant question in a global context where personal and institutional identities are constantly redefined.
### A reflection for the future
At a time when the world looks towards the Vatican with increased attention, questions arise as for the future of the Church and its role in sometimes tumultuous socio -political contexts. Could the release of these stamps at such a critical moment symbolize an opportunity for renewal for the Church’s commitment to its faithful and to the world in general? How can philatelic crafts serve as a bridge between the past and the future of the Catholic Church?
The enthusiasm for Vacante Seda stamps highlights the importance of an open and inclusive dialogue within the Church, but also in broader contexts. This reminds us that, even in the transition, there are opportunities for learning, reflection and understanding.
In short, the philatelic dimension of this event calls for a deeper exploration of our links with history, identity and continuity, while the world awaits the name of the next Pope. This attention paid to a simple stamp could encourage us to review our own approach to moments of change in our personal or collective life. How can these transitions be experienced as development and renewal opportunities, not as simple periods of uncertainty? These are the questions that we should consider through the prism of this new collection of stamps.