Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 25 Shillings 2004, KM# 156, Somalia, The Life of Pope John Paul II, Popemobile
  • 25 Shillings 2004, KM# 156, Somalia, The Life of Pope John Paul II, Popemobile
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

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

Depicts Pope John Paul II traveling in the popemobile and saluting crowds, with inscriptions above, date below and two crosses on both sides below.

The popemobile, a specially designed vehicle used by the pope during public appearances, serves as a modern successor to the sedia gestatoria, providing increased visibility to the pontiff when greeting large crowds. Since its introduction in 1965 by Pope Paul VI, various designs have emerged, including open-air and bulletproof glass-enclosed models, the latter becoming essential after the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. The diverse popemobile options enable the Roman Curia to choose the most suitable one based on security needs, travel distance, speed, and the pope's preferences. The vehicle registration plates of Vatican City, beginning with "SCV," followed by the fleet number, uniquely identify each popemobile.

THE LIFE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
2004

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.2 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness 2.35 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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