The 2013 Vatican City 2 euro standard circulation coin features the official portrait of Pope Francis in profile, facing towards the left. This design reflects the transition of the papacy following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the subsequent election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio in March 2013. The effigy is surrounded by the inscription 'FRANCISCUS PP.' and the year of issue, with the twelve stars of the European Union arranged along the outer ring. As the sovereign of Vatican City, the Pope remains the central figure on the nation's coinage, symbolising the unique religious and political identity of the Holy See within the Eurozone. This specific issue was released within the annual Vatican City coin sets for 2013.