SAN MARINO – The joint philatelic issue dedicated to the 800 years since the conclusion of the earthly journey of Saint Francis of Assisi was presented on 2 October in the Press Room of the Sacred Convent of Saint Francis in Assisi. The initiative, carried out by the postal administrations of San Marino, Italy, the Vatican City State and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, will be available from Sunday 4 October, the day of the saint’s liturgical memory.
The Secretary of State for Finance and Budget was present at the presentation Marco Gattithe Special Secretary of the Secretariat of State for Tourism Alan Gasperoni and the Deputy Director of Poste San Marino Isabella Bizzocchitogether with representatives of the other Administrations involved.
“With this issue, the Republic of San Marino reaffirms its vocation to safeguard universal values and spread them through tangible signs of culture and tradition,” he declared Marco Gattiunderlining the value of collaboration between four sovereign realities around the figure of Saint Francis.
The Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy also spoke during the ceremony Fausta Bergamotthe President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State Raffaella Petrinithe Father Guardian of the Sacred Convent of San Francesco Marco Moronithe President of the Umbria Region Stefania Proiettithe Mayor of Assisi Valter Stoppini And Davide Rondonipresident of the Committee for the Celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis.
The stamp reproduces a detail of the Stories of Saint Francis by Giotto, the “Farewell of Saint Clare from the remains of Saint Francis”. The four sheets share the same image and recompose the Song of the Creaturesa choice that aims to underline the unitary nature of the initiative.
San Marino also links the issue to its own Franciscan tradition and to the activities dedicated to spirituality tourism and the valorisation of the Franciscan paths.
“This joint philatelic issue as well as the 800th anniversary celebrations strengthen the bond between San Marino and Saint Francis, enhancing the paths and cultural and religious heritage of our Republic,” he stated Federico Pedini AmatiSecretary of State for Tourism.
Poste San Marino’s second numismatic issue of the year is also dedicated to the anniversary. This is the two-euro commemorative coin, available from 6 October 2026 in the Uncirculated versions, with a circulation of 52,000 pieces, Proof and Reverse Proof, both with 4,000 pieces.
The coin, designed by the artist Fani Ivanka Taurinodepicts the hand of Saint Francis reaching out towards the wolf of Gubbio, together with the Franciscan cincture with the three vows and floral motifs inspired by the harmony of nature.
