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St Camillus de Lellis established the Order of Ministers of the Sick, better known as the Camillians. His experience in wars led him to establish a group of health care workers who would assist soldiers on the battlefield. The large red cross on their cassock remains a symbol of the Congregation today, worn on their habits, today a universal symbol of charity and service. In 1585 his friends found a large house for the group where he taught them the basics of nursing care. The works of the Ministers of the Sick was recognized as a religious order in 1591. The order developed worldwide and is served by men and women. 
De Lellis died in Rome in 1614. His mortal remains are located in the altar in the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Rome, along with several of his relics. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and canonized by him four years later. St. Camillus has been named, along with St. John of God, the patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. His assistance is also invoked against gambling. His feast day is celebrated on July 18. 	
The €0,70 stamp is based upon a painting, "Saint Camillus Among the Plague-Stricken" by the School of Sebastiano Conca (1764), located in the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Rome, the headquarters of the order. The stamp was printed in sheets of ten.

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