📬✨ In a heartfelt tribute to the Catholic faith and its enduring influence, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has unveiled a special commemorative stamp honoring Pope Leo XIV.
Priced at ₱17, the stamp features a dignified portrait of the pontiff set against the backdrop of symbols representing his papacy — offering both visual elegance and spiritual resonance. Only 10,000 copies have been printed, making this release a limited-edition treasure for philatelists, history buffs, and the devout.
🕊️ According to PHLPost, the move underscores its commitment to “preserve history, culture, and faith through philately,” the cherished tradition of stamp collecting. With papal-themed stamps consistently ranking among the most sought-after in the world, this release is expected to attract strong interest from collectors and faithful globally.
More than a collector’s item, the Pope Leo XIV stamp is a symbol of reverence, a nod to the role of the Catholic Church in shaping both Philippine and global history. PHLPost’s initiative not only celebrates a religious figure but also reinforces the relevance of stamps as cultural artifacts in the digital age.
🖼️ With fine detail and rich symbolism, the stamp becomes both a work of art and a piece of spiritual heritage — blending Filipino creativity with timeless devotion.
Whether you’re a devoted collector or a casual enthusiast, this latest release from PHLPost is a meaningful reminder of how faith and tradition can be beautifully preserved — one stamp at a time.
Vatican City – July 2, 2025 : In a strong moral appeal ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), has urged global leaders and societies to embrace climate justice and ecological conversion, calling for a shift that is not only systemic but deeply spiritual.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, Cardinal Ferrao, along with Church leaders from Africa and Latin America, unveiled a document titled:
“A Call for Climate Justice and the Common Home: Ecological Conversion, Transformation and Resistance to False Solutions.”
This unprecedented joint statement, drafted by representatives from the Global South, demands ethical accountability from developed nations and outlines a vision for a more just and sustainable future. It comes as the world prepares for COP30, which will take place in Brazil this November.
“It’s not diplomatic – it’s pastoral.”
“Our message today is not diplomatic; it is pastoral,” said Cardinal Ferrao. “It is a call to conscience in the face of a system that threatens to devour creation, as if the planet were just another commodity.”
Ferrao emphasized that the Church in Asia joins the “global clamour” for a transformation that is not only technical but also ethical, prophetic, and profoundly human.
He cited the devastating effects of climate change already felt across Asia—typhoons, forced migration, loss of islands, and water pollution—warning that false solutions such as large-scale “green” projects are displacing vulnerable communities under the guise of sustainability.
A Call to the Global North
The cardinal stressed the urgency of operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund and ensuring that affected communities have priority access to adaptation finance.
“It is estimated that the climate debt of the Global North will reach $192 trillion by 2050. Additionally, nearly $2 trillion is extracted annually from the Global South through corporate, banking, and governmental mechanisms,” Ferrao noted.
Ecological Wisdom & Inclusive Action
He advocated for listening to ancestral knowledge, halting the expansion of fossil fuels, and consulting local communities before implementing renewable energy projects. He insisted that climate finance must be fair, accessible, and non-exploitative, especially for women and local organisations.
“As a Church, beyond criticism, we want to promote alternatives—education, degrowth economics, ecological spirituality, and interreligious solidarity,” said Cardinal Ferrao.
COP30: A Moral Turning Point
Other speakers at the Vatican press conference included Cardinal Jaime Spengler (Brazil), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DR Congo), and Dr. Emilce Cuda, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Together, they emphasized the unified voice of the Global South in demanding a climate agenda that prioritizes justice and the dignity of life.
“We want COP30 to be not just another event, but a moral turning point,” Ferrao concluded. “As Pope Leo XIV has said, we need love and unity to build a new world where peace reigns. May hope flourish among us like a tree of life.”
In a groundbreaking move, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian nun, as the first woman to head a major Vatican office. This historic decision marks a significant step in the Pope’s efforts to give women more leadership roles in the Catholic Church.
Sister Simona, 59, will lead the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees all Catholic religious orders, including the Jesuits and Franciscans. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the second-in-command in the religious orders department since last year.
Pope Francis’ decision to appoint a woman to lead a major Vatican office is a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s journey towards greater inclusivity and equality. While women have held important roles in the Church throughout history, this appointment marks a new era of leadership and recognition for women’s contributions.
A Leader with a Deep Understanding of Religious Life
Sister Simona is a member of the Consolata Missionaries religious order and has dedicated her life to serving others. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in her new role, as she works to support and guide the many religious orders and communities that make up the Catholic Church.
A New Chapter for the Vatican
As Sister Simona begins her new role, the Vatican enters a new chapter in its history. This appointment is a testament to Pope Francis’ commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable Church, and marks an important step towards a brighter future for all Catholics.
