Two beloved young witnesses of the Gospel are being honored in a uniquely Catholic way. The Vatican’s Postal and Philatelic Service has announced a special set of commemorative stamps celebrating the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925), whose canonization Mass will be celebrated by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, Sept. 7, in St. Peter’s Square (according to Catholic News Agency).
The stamps are designed to capture the distinct spiritual character of each soon-to-be saint. One depicts “the portrait of Pier Giorgio Frassati painted by artist Alberto Falchetti (1878–1951), a member of the Frassati family,” while the other shows “a photograph of Carlo Acutis wearing a red shirt and carrying a backpack, taken during a school trip to Mount Subasio, near Assisi” shortly before his passing from leukemia (according to CNA).
In a remarkable gesture of collaboration, the Vatican has worked with “the postal authorities of Italy, the Republic of San Marino, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta” to make the issue widely available. There will be 60,000 of the Acutis stamps and 50,000 of the Frassati stamps printed, each with a face value of 1.35 euros (about $1.60) (according to CNA).
The commemoration goes beyond the stamps themselves. Two postmarks have been created, each rich with symbolism. For Carlo Acutis, the postmark “graphically reproduces the photo on the stamp, along with the symbol of the Eucharist with the monogram of Christ.” For Pier Giorgio Frassati, the design highlights his own handwriting with the inscription “Verso l’alto” (“to the heights”), a phrase that captures his lifelong zeal for holiness and action (according to CNA).
Collectors and the faithful alike will have the opportunity to purchase a special folder featuring Acutis’ stamp, along with first-day envelopes and the commemorative postmark, offered at a cost of 10 euros ($11.66). The stamps will be available for sale at the Vatican post office in St. Peter’s Square immediately after the canonization Mass and in all Vatican post offices the following day (according to CNA).
The Vatican’s decision to issue these stamps highlights the global impact these two young saints continue to have. Both Acutis and Frassati inspire Catholics to live heroic virtue in the modern world—Carlo through his love of the Eucharist and the internet, and Pier Giorgio through his passion for charity and justice. The stamps are not just collectibles, but a reminder that holiness is possible at any age.
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