On 4 January 1964, Pope Paul VI became the first pope in modern history to visit the Holy Land, a journey of immense religious and historical significance. To commemorate this unprecedented occasion, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan issued a stunning set of four stamps. This set not only celebrated the visit but also highlighted Jordan’s role as the custodian of key religious sites. The stamps, printed by Litho Yacoub Slim Press, Beirut, remain an iconic issue in Jordanian philately.
Design and Symbolism
The “Pope Paul VI Visit to the Holy Land” stamp set is a masterpiece of design, with each stamp encapsulating the significance of the pope’s visit:
- Portraits:
- The left side of each stamp features a portrait of Pope Paul VI, symbolizing his pilgrimage to sacred Christian sites.
- The right side displays a portrait of King Hussein of Jordan, emphasizing Jordan’s guardianship of holy landmarks.
- Landmarks:
- 15 Fils: Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem – symbolizing the city’s Islamic heritage.
- 35 Fils: Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem – highlighting shared Abrahamic traditions.
- 50 Fils: Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem – marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
- 80 Fils: Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem – commemorating the birthplace of Jesus.
- Bilingual Inscriptions:
- Text in both Arabic and English reads: “Papa Paulus VI Visit to the Holy Land 4/1/1964”.
- Laurel Wreaths:
- Laurel wreaths frame the portraits, symbolizing peace, harmony, and unity.
The multicolored printing and detailed design make this issue one of the most artistically significant in Jordan’s history.
Denominations, Colors, and Errors
| SG No. | Face Value | Color | Mint (£) | Used (£) | Errors and Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 564 | 15 Fils | Emerald and black | 60 | 40 | |
| 565 | 35 Fils | Cerise and black | 90 | 55 | Black (portraits etc.) omitted |
| 566 | 50 Fils | Brown and black | 1.80 | 1.30 | Imperforate Pair |
| 567 | 80 Fils | Violet-blue and black | 3.25 | 2.20 |
Miniature Sheet and Printing Details
In addition to the individual stamps, the 1964 Pope Paul VI Visit to the Holy Land issue includes a miniature sheet featuring all four denominations in a single elegant layout. This sheet is a prized addition to the set and offers collectors a consolidated representation of the issue. The miniature sheet is particularly valued for its rarity and aesthetic appeal, as it captures the essence of the design and commemorative significance in one piece.
Printing Details
The stamps and the miniature sheet were printed by Litho Yacoub Slim Press, Beirut, a renowned printing house known for its high-quality philatelic issues. This release reflects the exceptional craftsmanship characteristic of the printer:
- Color Scheme: Each stamp is multicolored, with vibrant combinations carefully selected to emphasize the landmarks and portraits. The printing method ensures clarity and rich detailing in both the landmarks and the portraits of Pope Paul VI and King Hussein.
- Miniature Sheet Dimensions: The sheet is sized 138×108 mm, a format that allows all four stamps to be prominently displayed while maintaining proportional borders and inscriptions.
Perforation Details
The perforation for the stamps in this set is 13×13½, a standard gauge that ensures ease of separation while maintaining the integrity of the design. This uniform perforation applies to all four denominations in both their regular and imperforate varieties. The imperforate versions are particularly significant as collector’s items, providing an uncut representation of the design.
Historical Context
Pope Paul VI’s visit to the Holy Land was a milestone in interfaith dialogue, promoting peace and understanding among religions. This journey included visits to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and other sacred Christian sites, and was pivotal in fostering greater cooperation between Christianity and Islam.
For Jordan, this event underscored its stewardship of Islamic and Christian holy places. King Hussein’s inclusion in the design reflects Jordan’s pride in hosting the pontiff and its commitment to promoting peace and coexistence.
Did You Know?
- Pope Paul VI’s visit included a historic meeting with Patriarch Athenagoras I, leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, marking a step toward reconciliation between the two branches of Christianity.