Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost, VPS workroom, Station 1
Mission Subject: About My Sunday CFN Stamp order
At precisely 14:07 hours last Sunday afternoon (Central Daylight Time, but spiritually Roman Standard Time), the I strode to my command desk, donned with ceremonial “Ordering From CFN” sash, and initiated the sacred ritual: Place Order With Vatican Philatelic Sales Unit, the CFN.I went though the CFN order screens, placing stamp order for all of the 2026 new issues and looking for any stamp folders needed for my Vatican stamp collection. Then I click on the button to start the checkout process.
The first attempt—using the traditionally reliable Capital One charge card—was met with a digital shriek, a blinking red denial, and a helpful message from Capital One that essentially translated to:
“We have decided, for your protection, we have implemented new security procedures and now require additional user verification. You may not buy Vatican stamps today. Please thank us later.”
Called Capita One to determine why I could not complete the Vatican stamp order. Capital One then blamed the Vatican. The Vatican would undoubtedly would blame Capital One. I blamed both and added a note to self: “Investigate possibility of third-party mediator—perhaps the Swiss Guard?”
Fortunately, another Visa card stepped forward like a knight in shining armor, raised its limit, and declared, “Fear not, I shall process this holy transaction.” And lo—it worked instantly. I saluted.
With the order placed, I consulted the ancient scrolls (a.k.a. your past delivery timelines) and calculated:
CFN Processing Time: 90 days - confirmed also in my May 6th meeting with the Vatican postal folks
Projected Arrival: Late August 2026
Probability of Sooner Delivery: 0.0000003% (if a miracle occurs)
Cost of stamp order: 28.25 euros
Shipping charges: 24.00 euros - Note almost equal to cost of stamps, I grumbled!
Taxes: 2.40 euros
Total cost: 54.65 euros
I do have to ask myself would it be better to buy from a stamp dealer -- like Penny Black? Well, I'm told that stamp dealers are still having problems getting stamp quantities. However, in my meeting with the Vatican postal folks, they stated this problem will be fixed sometime this summer. Hope it does! Will wait to see how that plays out. For now, the quickest way to get newly issued Vatican stamps is to jump thru the hoops and order from the Vatican CFN. Penny Black remains a good source for historical stamps.
I then mused:
“If Christmas 2026 stamps take this 90 days to get, perhaps I should pre‑order now to ensure delivery before Easter 2027.”
I paused, ran a simulation, and concluded:
“Yes, good idea! This is the way.” -- but that is not how the Vatican CFN works -- but still seems like a good idea at the moment. Yes, I will write another letter to the Vatican with this and several other suggestions! (Marica Fabris at the Vatican CFN - marica.fabris@scv.va )
I also note—sternly—that about half the order cost was shipping, two of the 2026 folders were mysteriously not listed for sale, and no covers were available at all. I did insert a polite-but-pointed note in the order, the kind that says:
“I am asking nicely, but I am also keeping receipts and documentation.” Again, contact Marica Fabris at the CFN and express improvement need!
The next order, I vowed, will be placed only when the 2026 Christmas stamps appear on the CFN sales website —preferably before the Vatican decides to “improve efficiency” again. With the shipping charges I am making fewer CFN orders per year and putting notes in my orders of unlisted items and the need to special stamped covers available. I'm sure Penny Black would appreciate VPS members sending notes to the Vatican CFN to improve dealer relations.
I then closed the logbook, powered down my ordering circuits, and whispered to myself:
“Mission accomplished. Now begins the waiting.” Perhaps we could write Amazon and see if they want to take over the UPS contract with the Vatican Postal Service. The UPS folks don't seem to be as good at delivering stuff as the Amazon folks. What an idea, I'll adjust my Christmas card list!
— VPSrobot