Presentation of a stamp to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Venice Foundation for Research on Peace

A seed of hope

The world is in need of peace, especially today, when conflicts are widespread in many areas, and are continuously being exacerbated, despite international efforts. In order to contribute to peace building and to underscore that peace is a fundamental universal value, Vatican City State and Italy, through the Ministry of Enterprises and Made In Italy, have issued a joint stamp, which was officially presented on Thursday morning, 14 November, at the headquarters of the Foreign Press Association in Rome.

The new stamp commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Venice Foundation for Research on Peace, which has always promoted actions to foster peace processes, in particular by defending the rights of individuals and peoples.

The stamp represents a universal message. It is a small image but one that has great potential, and that can be seen as the first seed for future developments. It symbolizes hope, as the Jubilee dedicated to this virtue approaches. The dove depicted on the stamp is a sign of trust in the possibility of dialogue and the non-violent resolution of international disputes.

During the unveiling ceremony, a painting depicting Vatican and Italian stamps and words of peace from Pope Francis’ discourses and those of Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella, was also presented. The result of a collaboration between the Foundation and Poste Italiane, 100 copies of the painting have been released, a copy of which will be given to Pope Francis, to President Mattarella and to the 42 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, who are still alive.

At the end of the ceremony, the following words by Saint John Paul II’s were quoted: “May stamps contribute to building knowledge, friendship and understanding, inspired by the shared and universal desire for harmony and peace”.

On 14 and 15 September, the “Arco delle Fontane” Post office, located in the Charlemagne Wing, will use a special die emissionis (first day) cancellation. Printed by Italy’s Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, the stamp depicts the logo of the Venice Foundation for Research on Peace on an ancient map, “Pianta prospettica della città di Venezia e delle lagune”, that appeared in a 1534 book by Benedetto Bordone entitled “Isolario”, currently stored in the Biblioteca del Museo Correr in Venice.

The following people addressed participants during the unveiling ceremony: Mr. Antonino Intersimone, Director of the Governorate of Vatican City State’s Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, Mr. Antonio Silvio Calò, President of the Foundation, Mr. Giorgio Maria Tosi Beleffi, Executive of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Mr. Giovanni Machetti, Executive of Poste Italiane, Ms. Laura Besio, Council member of the Municipality of Venice, Mr. Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Regional Council of Veneto Region.

The following is the address delivered by Mr. Antonino Intersimone, Director of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, during the unveiling ceremony.

I offer my greetings, also on behalf of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President and Secretary General, respectively, of the Governorate of Vatican City State, to all the Authorities gathered here, and I thank Professor Antonio Silvio Calò, President of the Venice Foundation for Research on Peace, for having organized this event, as well as all the representatives of the Foundation gathered here to celebrate their 25the anniversary.

The philatelic issue that has been dedicated to you represents the recognition of the importance of this Institution, and at the same time, is a sign of gratitude for the generous commitment to a universal good.

On the occasion of the last World Day of Peace, which is celebrated on 1 January, Pope Francis spoke about this time as “a time of grace which the Lord gives to each one of us”.

With these words in mind, we feel the need – and are also encouraged  – to recover the profound sense of the Greek word kairòs, which refers to the most significant aspect of time: a “propitious time”.

We feel we have a “duty”, because research on peace cannot be subjected to arbitrary choices of time that differ from the urgency and priority: we are “encouraged” because we know that time spent building peace is always a propitious time, a time of “grace”.

The Church’s recognition of the priority of research on peace, which brings us together, is evident in her efforts to promote dialogue and the formation of consciences, and in Pope Francis’ continuous appeals for an end to the wars that are devastating the World.

Pope Francis always reminds us that peace is a gift from on high, and the fruit of a shared commitment. As the Holy Year approaches, the text of the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee, inspired by the fact that “Hope does not disappoint”, reminds us that, “The first sign of hope should be the desire for peace in our world, which once more finds itself immersed in the tragedy of war…: May the Jubilee remind us that those who are peacemakers will be called ‘children of God’. The need for peace challenges us all, and demands that concrete steps be taken”. Indeed, today more than ever, there is a need for men and women who work with great dedication to ensure that peace and hope may find the most suitable space for growth and expansion.

As Christmas approaches, we are especially reminded that the task of pursuing with obstinate hope the edification of a world of peace, is entrusted to each one of us: “The star of Bethlehem remains a star in the dark night”, as the Saint and philosopher Edith Stein wrote about the mystery of Christmas.

Joining in this hope, that thanks to your incessant and unselfish work, we may one day speak of Venice as a “World Capital of Peace”, I would like to conclude by mentioning the regard and esteem of the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Post and Philately Service of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, towards Professor Calò, and the Foundation he represents, pleased to be able to include among our various collaborations, an entity that follows a principle – Peace – which has strong roots in the common ground of love for neighbour and respect for Creation.

I renew my most heartfelt gratitude to the Venice Foundation for Peace for its dedication, and I offer all of you my best wishes for your 25th anniversary.