News

The Evolution of the Annona Vatican Supermarket

In the beginning, it was called “Annona e Grascia”, and it functioned as a tribunal within the papal administration, responsible for overseeing matters related to food supplies.
On January 22, 1588, Pope Sixtus V, through the Bull Immensa Aeterni Dei, established fifteen permanent Congregations—some newly created, others confirmed or reformed. One of these was the Congregation for the Abundance of the Papal States (Pro ubertate annonae Status Ecclesiastici). It consisted of five Cardinals and was tasked with ensuring the provisioning of foodstuffs.

Interview with Nicola Francescucci, Deputy Director for Economic Activities at the Directorate of Economy, on the Opening of the new Tigre-Annona Supermarketigre-Annona

Focus on Recycling and Energy Consumption

The internal Vatican store reopens under the Tigre-Annona brand, bringing many new features. Chief among them are extended opening hours, a commitment to offering the lowest price every day, special attention to recycling and energy saving, and the introduction of new technologies such as a dedicated App.
Nicola Francescucci, Deputy Director for Economic Activities in the Directorate of Economy of the Governorate of Vatican City State, discusses these developments in this interview with www.vaticanstate.va.

Opening of the “Tigre-Annona” Supermarket

Renewed, modern, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly

With a total area of 1,321 square meters—875 of which are dedicated to sales—the new store features six checkout counters, 30 reserved parking spaces, and employs 34 staff members. It offers an assortment of around 11,000 products, selected with particular selection for local products, especially in the delicatessen, bakery and fruit and vegetable departments.

In Tirana (Albania), the Vatican Postal and Philately Service participated in the 41st General Assembly of PostEurop

The Postal and Philately Service (a member of PostEurop since 2012) of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governorate took part in the 41st General Assembly of PostEurop, with a delegation composed of the Head of Service, Rev. Felice Bruno, and the Service official, Vincenzo Marrese. The meeting took place from October 7 to 9 in Tirana, Albania.

Philatelic Issue for the 75th Anniversary of the Dogma of the Assumption: Two Special Edition Commemorative Envelopes

In 2025, the 75th anniversary of the solemn proclamation of the Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated. To honor this significant event, the Postal and Philatelic Service of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governorate has created a special commemorative issue that brings together art and faith for the collector.

Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems Collaborates with Villanova University: Meeting with Dean, Professors and Students Arrived for the Second Semester Internship

The Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governorate of the Vatican City State continues its collaboration with Villanova University by hosting, in 2025, students from Philadelphia for the second semester of the academic year. This program, created with the goal of connecting academic research with the practical needs of the Governorate, has once again proven to be a valuable opportunity for both institutions.