Papal Visit September 1995
South Africa, Pretoria · 1995-09-16
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
info card
info card 2
Description of the Cachet
The cachet takes the shape of a Maltese cross, with the papal coat of arms, the crossed keys and tiara, sitting at its centre on a golden yellow background. Radiating outward in bold calligraphic lettering, the four countries visited on the tour, South Africa, Cameroon, Tunisia and Kenya, are repeated around the cross in different coloured scripts, giving the whole design a decorative, almost heraldic feel.
Information Card
This cover was postmarked on 16 September 1995 and catalogued as SAPO 6.14a. It commemorated Pope John Paul II's tour of Southern Africa from 16 to 18 September 1995 which was the first ever papal visit to South Africa. Its cachet listed the four countries included on that trip: Kenya Tunisia Cameroon and South Africa. That reflected a wider tour across the continent rather than a single country visit. The accompanying info card carries a portrait of the Pope alongside text explaining the significance of the visit. This cover captures a meaningful moment for South Africa's Catholic community and for the country more broadly, coming just over a year after the end of apartheid, at a time when the nation was welcoming an increasing number of high profile international visitors as part of its reintegration into world affairs.
Theme: National Events
Condition: PoorHeavy wear, significant discolouration, soiling, tears, stains, or other major damage.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SAPO serial number: 6.14AA
Estimated value: ~US$0.43
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 211 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
