Vatican sells 100,000 sets of ‘Vacant See’ stamps
15 March 2013 7:38 AM IST
The Vatican sold 100,000 sets of special stamps only made when there is no pope. A total of 200,000 such sets of stamps were printed.
The special stamps may only be used during the period that the Holy See is vacant. For the first time since the Vatican began issuing the special stamps in 1939, they were available on the first day the Holy See fell vacant, 1 March, after Benedict XVI stepped down on 28 February.
Benedict was the first pontiff to abdicate in nearly 600 years. The Holy See normally only falls vacant on the death of a pontiff.
During the vacancy period, people can buy the stamps just as they are, or with a red post office cancellation mark on them, bearing the date of the beginning of the vacant see.
The special stamps may only be used during the period that the Holy See is vacant. For the first time since the Vatican began issuing the special stamps in 1939, they were available on the first day the Holy See fell vacant, 1 March, after Benedict XVI stepped down on 28 February.
Benedict was the first pontiff to abdicate in nearly 600 years. The Holy See normally only falls vacant on the death of a pontiff.
During the vacancy period, people can buy the stamps just as they are, or with a red post office cancellation mark on them, bearing the date of the beginning of the vacant see.
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