Sede vacante

Easter Monday 2025. Pope Francis has passed away. In the field of philately, this traditionally means that 'Sede Vacante' stamps are issued. The first 'Sede Vacante' stamps appeared in 1939 after the death of Pope Pius XI on February 10. Pope Pius XII died on October 9, 1958. Pope John XXIII died on June 3, 1963. Pope Paul VI died on August 6, 1978. His successor, Pope John Paul I, was pope for only 33 days and died on September 28, 1978. John Paul II died on April 2, 2005. Pope Benedict XVI resigned on February 28, 2013. His successor, Pope Francis, passed away today, April 21, 2025. Undoubtedly, new 'Sede Vacante' stamps are already ready and will appear this week.