Ecuador year 1966 stamps / Pope Paul VI MNH

In 1966, Ecuador issued a set of two postage stamps to commemorate the visit of Pope Paul VI to the country that year. Here are the key details:

1.20 Sucre Stamp:

• Design features a half-length portrait of Pope Paul VI
• Inscribed “VISITA DE SU SANTIDAD PABLO VI A ECUADOR 1966”
• Printed in green and black colors

2 Sucres Stamp:

• Depicts the papal symbol of the papal cross and triple crown
• Also inscribed with text commemorating the Pope’s 1966 visit to Ecuador
• Printed in reddish-brown and black

Other Details:

• Both stamps were engraved and printed by the American Bank Note Company
• Issued on July 30, 1966 ahead of the Pope’s arrival in late July/early August
• Relatively modest printing quantities, especially for the higher 2 sucres value

Significance:

• This marked the first visit by a reigning Pope to Ecuador
• The stamps celebrated this historic papal visit, which was an important event for the predominantly Catholic country
• They featured portraits and symbols directly related to Pope Paul VI himself

While not necessarily rare, this attractive two-stamp set commemorating the 1966 papal visit to Ecuador remains very popular with collectors of Catholic Church and religion thematics on stamps. The simple but elegant designs have ensured their longevity.