Some VPS News

40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with the United States Scott 1866 (2024) CFN: BETTER LATE... The VPS Website Team contacted CFN last week to inquire about the first quarter 2026 stamps. The stamps were released on Thursday, February 26, and were available for sale at the Vatican Post Office, but not on the CFN website. We were told that the stamps should be available on the website E-shop starting today. We shall see. NEW PAPAL NUNCIO TO THE UNITED STATES On Saturday, the Holy See announced the retirement of the current apostolic nuncio in the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, as he has reached the age limit of 80 years old. Nuncio since 2016, he will be replaced by the Holy See’s current Permanent Observer at the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia. THE POPE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE The most solemn week on the Christian calendar is approaching, and Pope Leo XIV will certainly be kept busy. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, released the pope’s schedule of liturgical celebrations for Holy Week (March 29 through April 5). The pontiff will preside over the following Masses and commemorations: Palm Sunday, Saint Peter’s Square—COMMEMORATION OF THE ENTRANCE OF THE LORD INTO JERUSALEM AND HOLY MASS Holy Thursday (9:30 am), Saint Peter’s Basilica—CHRISM MASS Holy Thursday (5:30 pm), Basilica of Saint John Lateran—VESPERTINE MASS OF “THE LORD’S SUPPER” Good Friday (5 pm), Saint Peter’s Basilica—PASSION OF THE LORD Good Friday (9 pm), The Colosseum, Rome—"VIA CRUCIS” (WAY OF THE CROSS) Saturday (9 pm), Saint Peter’s Basilica—EASTER VIGIL OF THE HOLY NIGHT Easter Sunday (10:15 am), Saint Peter’s Square—MASS OF THE DAY, “RESURRECTION OF THE LORD” Easter Sunday (12 noon), Central Loggia, Saint Peter’s Basilica—”URBI ET ORBI” BLESSING