The Vatican City State Celebrates the 600th Anniversary of the University of Leuven with a Commemorative Stamp

Under the Gaze of the Sedes Sapientiae

On the occasion of the six hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe, the Philatelic and Postal Service of the Governorate of the Vatican City State has chosen to pay tribute to this historic cultural landmark with the issue of a commemorative stamp and a special postmark.

Founded in 1425 at the behest of Duke John IV of Brabant, with the approval of Pope Martin V—who formally established it through the Bull Divina Disponente—the University of Leuven has, over time, become an internationally recognized center of learning. Throughout the centuries, the institution has preserved a strong Catholic identity, distinguishing itself by its commitment to research, education and dialogue between science and faith.

At the heart of the philatelic design are two significant symbolic figures that very much represent the university: the Sedes Sapientiae, a wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary embodying the spiritual guardianship of the academic community, and Pope Martin V, the Pontiff who authorized its foundation. The image of the Seat of Wisdom, still housed today in the church of Saint Peter in Leuven, reflects the profound bond between Christian inspiration and the educational mission of the university.

The stamp, available from 7 September, with a face value of €1.35, is printed in four-color offset by the Enschedé printing house in the Netherlands, on gummed paper weighing 110 grams per square meter.

Completing the initiative is also a commemorative postal cancellation, created on the basis of the official coat of arms provided by the Embassy of Belgium to the Holy See. At its center—circular in shape with a diameter of 38 mm—once again stands the figure of the Virgin Mary as Sedes Sapientiae, accompanied by the inscriptions: 600° anniversario della fondazione dell’Università Cattolica di Lovanio [600th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Catholic University of Leuven] , Poste Vaticane, and Die Emissionis 07.09.2025.

With this philatelic issue, the Vatican not only celebrates a milestone in European academic history, but also renews its recognition of the educational, cultural and spiritual value of an institution that, six centuries after its foundation, continues to serve as a point of reference in the international university landscape.

Address of Archbishop Emilio Nappa

I extend my greetings to all the Authorities present and, in particular,to the Ambassador of Belgium to the Holy See,His Excellency Mr. Bruno van der Pluijm;
to the Rector Marc Vervenne,
and to all of you gathered here.

Within this setting of the Vatican Museums, we are here to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic University of Leuven, the oldest Catholic university in Europe and in the world.

In particular, I wish to emphasize the importance of your contribution to education and scientific research inspired by the values of the Church—one that is able “to bring together individual, particular notions” alongside the constant search for truth. Lived in this way, such a challenge makes the figure of the researcher similar to that of the believer, drawing him ever closer to God.

The presentation of the Vatican commemorative stamp issued for the 600th anniversary of the founding of the University of Leuven is yet another tangible sign of the value of your work, expressing the Church’s gratitude for your great mission.

Address of Director Antonino Intersimone:

I extend my greetings
to His Most Reverend Excellency Mons. Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate,
to all the Authorities present and, in particular,
to the Ambassador of Belgium to the Holy See, His Excellency Mr. Bruno van der Pluijm,
to the Rector Marc Vervenne,
and to all of you gathered here.

To celebrate an anniversary of such significance—one that carries with it centuries of history, education, and development—among the initiatives undertaken, I am pleased to highlight the collaboration with the Governorate of the Vatican City State, thanks to which this important milestone has also been marked in the philatelic world, with the issuance of a postage stamp and a cancellation that we will unveil today.

The images depict two of the most significant elements of the history and spirit of this Institution: the figure of Pope Martin V, to whom the university owes its foundation through the Bull Sapientie immarcessibilis of December 9, 1425, and the statue of the Virgin Mary known as Sedes Sapientiae, the protector of the University and a symbol of the Christian tradition in which it is rooted.

An Institution, certainly, of international standing, immersed in an increasingly diverse cultural landscape, whose goals promote a form of knowledge clearly oriented toward the pursuit of Truth—always up to date and with its gaze firmly set on the Catholic tradition.

The 600 years since the founding of the Catholic University of Leuven confirm the great solidity of the Institution and of the values on which it is built. Let us recall them, on this joyful occasion, with admiration and gratitude.

Thank you.