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Which Pope initiated the reconstruction of the Basilica of Saint Paul after the devastating fire of 1823

   Pope Pius IX
   Pope Leo XII
   Pope Gregory XVI
   Pope Honorius III

Your answer was: Pope Pius IX.


Answer: Pope Leo XII

   


The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, suffered a catastrophic fire during the night of July 15–16, 1823. The blaze, caused by embers left on the roof, nearly destroyed the ancient structure. The responsibility of restoring the basilica fell to Pope Leo XII, who launched an ambitious reconstruction campaign. In a remarkable early example of global Catholic solidarity, he issued the encyclical Ad Plurimas on January 25, 1825—calling upon the faithful worldwide to contribute to the rebuilding effort, a kind of 19th-century “crowdfunding.”

The basilica was rebuilt in neoclassical style under the direction of architect Luigi Poletti, preserving the original dimensions. After three decades of work, Pope Pius IX consecrated the new basilica on December 10, 1854, during the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The 2024 Vatican stamp commemorates the 170th anniversary of this rededication. It features the 13th-century apse mosaic with Christ Pantocrator and Saints Paul and Luke, while the special postmark includes the symbols of the book and sword—emblems of Saint Paul’s mission and martyrdom.

The 2024 Vatican stamp, issued on November 4 to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the rededication of the Basilica of Saint Paul, features the stunning 13th-century apse mosaic commissioned by Pope Honorius III and crafted by Venetian masters in the Byzantine style. At its center is Christ Pantocrator, flanked by Saints Paul and Luke, symbolizing the apostolic mission and scriptural legacy of the basilica. The accompanying circular postmark, used at the “Arco delle Campane” post office on November 4–5, 2024, includes a stylized depiction of the book and sword—traditional emblems of Saint Paul—alongside the inscriptions “170° RIDEDICAZIONE DELLA BASILICA DI SAN PAOLO,” “POSTE VATICANE,” and the date of issue.

Reference
• “New Vatican Philatelic Issues in 2024: Travels and Anniversaries.” Exaudi, 5 Nov. 2024, https://www.exaudi.org/new-vatican-philatelic-issues-in-2024-travels-and-anniversaries/.

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