Vatican Sells Stamps To Restore Famed Bernini Colonnade In St. Peter's Square

HUFFINGTON POST

Image of stamp courtesy of Boston Globe

VATICAN CITY -- Not even the Vatican is immune from the economic crisis. For the first time, the Vatican is seeking funds directly from pilgrims, collectors and tourists to pay for the ambitious restoration of the 17th century Bernini colonnade surrounding St. Peter's Square. The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office, which sells commemorative coins and stamps featuring popes, saints and the like, is offering a special (EURO)20 ($26) stamp and certificate package to help offset a recession-induced drop in corporate sponsors for the project. The office's director, Mauro Olivieri, said Vatican officials were asked earlier this year to think up fundraising initiatives to help finance the restoration. If the full 150,000 print run is sold, some (EURO)3 million ($3.9 million) could be funneled toward the restoration, Olivieri said. "That's our hope. We'll see what happens."[link]

Famed Bernini Colonnade In St. Peter's Square