The United Nations designated 1986 as the International Year of Peace. First proposed in 1981, the year coincided with the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the UN in 1946. In addition to the UN, the International Red Cross also recognized the International Year of Peace and emphasized the goal:
"to prevent and alleviate human suffering, protect life and health and to promote lasting peace and international co-operation".
On April 14, 1986, Vatican City issued a five-stamp set to commemorate the International Year of Peace. The stamps share a similar design, but each features a different quote and image. The stamps were designed and engraved by Luca Vangelli. The stamps were issued in response to the request by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to member nations to issue stamps to celebrate the Year.
50 lire (Scott 768): “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4) The stamp image shows an olive plant with a sword buried in the earth.
350 lire (Scott 769): “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings.” (Isaiah 52:7) The stamp illustration portrays the feet of a messenger.
450 lire (Scott 770): “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) The illustration depicts the words of peace communicated among men, taking the form of an olive branch.
650 lire (Scott 771): “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased! (Luke 2:14) The stamp shows a dove in flight towards the sun, which lights up an olive branch.
2000 lire (Scott 772): “Peace is a value with no frontiers: North-South, East-West. Only one peace.” (Pope John Paul II, from the text of his message for World Peace Day on January 1, 1986) The stamp image includes the pope’s signature and show his hands: one holding the Pastoral Staff and the other urging a dove into flight towards a rainbow.
A detailed article by James Hamilton on the International Year of Peace issue can be found by clicking on the link in the reference section below. The article looks at the Vatican City stamp issue as well as other stamps issued by countries around the world celebrating the International Year of Peace.
REFERENCES:
Wikipedia, International Year of Peace
Governatorato Vatican City, Philatelic Office, April 14, 1986, Issue of Stamps: Celebrative Series, International Year of Peace
James C. Hamilton, Vatican Notes, Volume 66, Number 377, pp. 24-27, 2018, The 1986 International Peace Year Omnibus Issue
Vatican Philatelic Society website, www.vaticanstamps.org, Stamp Database Search
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