Somalia 25 Shillings 2004-2005

History

25 Shillings 2004-2005, KM# 155, Somalia, The Life of Pope John Paul II, Blessing Pope

Obverse. Photo © WCN

Description

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Leopard Coat of arms Somalia Military Spear Depicts the coat of arms of Somalia, surrounded by the country name above and the denomination in English below. The coat of arms of Somalia, adopted on October 10, 1956, features a shield embellished with the Somali flag, accompanied by two Leopards standing atop crossed spears. Positioned at the center of the flag is the Star of Unity, and a crown adorns the top of the shield. Completing the emblem are crossed spears underneath, entwined with a ribbon. SOMALI REPUBLIC 25 SHILLINGS
Reverse	Person (religious figure) Pope John Paul II Depicts Pope John Paul II delivering a blessing from his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, with inscriptions above, date below, and two crosses on both sides below. THE LIFE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II 2004
Edge	Plain