Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Malta, to mark the occasion of the 1950th anniversary of St Paul’s shipwreck, will be commemorated by the Philatelic Bureau of MaltaPost with the following philatelic products bearing the image of Pope Benedict XVI: a stamp set named ‘Papal Visit 2010’, a miniature sheet, an occasion card, a silver stamp replica, a commemorative folder, and four different impressions.

All the philatelic items are to be issued on Saturday 17 April 2010.

The miniature sheet with one stamp, having the denomination of €3, depicts the image of Pope Benedict XVI. The stamp is presented with an aerial view of Malta as a background together with the official logo of the Pope’s visit and the image of St Paul, while the Occasion Card Number 24 in series that complements this set also bears the image of Pope Benedict XVI.

The Silver Replica Stamp is the third limited edition of silver stamp replicas following the San Ġorg Preca and St Paul’s Silver Stamp Replicas. The silver stamp is struck in 99.9% fine silver. The silver stamp, which is being issued in brilliant uncirculated (proof-like) condition weighs 20 grams and measures 45mm by 30mm. Each stamp is individually numbered and the issue is limited to 2,000 pieces. The stamp will be presented in an elegant presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.

Complementing the Silver Stamp Replica, the Philatelic Bureau will issue a limited edition of 4,000 numbered commemorative folders including the ‘Papal Visit 2010’ stamp set. These commemorative folders can be reserved so as to allow collectors to match the folder with the numbered silver replica order.

The Philatelic Bureau will also be issuing three different special hand stamps depicting the official logo of the Pope’s visit, which will be used on Saturday 17 April and Sunday 18 April respectively.

On public demand, these philatelic items can be pre-booked with immediate effect from all our branches. All products will be available for sale on Saturday 17 April from all MaltaPost plc branches in Malta and Gozo and from the MaltaPost mobile van during the various manifestations in Valletta, Rabat, Floriana and Valletta Waterfront. Additional information regarding this issue is available from the Philatelic Bureau (tel. 2596 1747, email: [email protected], postal address: 305, Triq Ħal-Qormi, Marsa, MTP1001) and from the MaltaPost website on www.maltapost.com.