2014Canonisation of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II - Miniature Sheet

Magyar Posta is issuing a commemorative block with two stamps to celebrate the canonisation of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. The stamps of the block feature the portraits of the popes being celebrated, and the design of the border employs the motif of the Holy Spirit and Michelangelo’s statue of ‘Pietá’ in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, with Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican printed in the background. The stamp block was designed by the graphic artist Barnabás Baticz and was produced at the printing company Pénzjegynyomda. The new block will be issued on the day of canonisation, 27 April 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday. It will be available at large post offices and Filaposta in Hungary, but may also be ordered from Magyar Posta’s online store. The pontificate of John XXIII was relatively brief, lasting less than five years, yet he left an enduring legacy. He unexpectedly convened the Second Vatican Council, the twenty-first ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, to consider the reform of the Church and to set to rights relations with other Christian denominations and the non-Christian world. This began a new era in the history of the Catholic Church. As the pope he endeavoured to remain close to the people, and his warmth, simplicity and good humour soon made him popular. John Paul II prompted understanding between peoples and religions throughout his pontifical activities. His doctrinal teaching was typified by conservatism and his stance on human life and dignity. He urged that reference be made to Europe’s Christian roots in the European Constitution. He believed in peace and spoke out against war on many occasions. He made over 100 pastoral visits outside Italy, travelling further than all previous pontiffs combined. He beatified 1,338 people and canonised 482.