The Vatican is to issue a set of stamps that will be usable only until the election of a new pope, a period that could be as little as 10 days, it announced Saturday.
The city-state's philately and minting office will issue the set of three stamps from Monday. They will bear the Latin words "Sede Vacante 2005," indicating the Holy See is vacant.
Pope John Paul II died on April 2 and was buried Friday.
Roman Catholic cardinals will convene in secret from April 18 to begin the process of electing a successor, and will stay cloistered until they have made their choice.
The stamps will be on sale only at Vatican post offices and selling points for pilgrims in Saint Peter's Square, and will be valid only for the duration of the interregnum.