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Pope John Paul II (born Karol Józef Wojtyła, 1920–2005) led the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. Initially interested in acting, Wojtyła shifted to theology after World War II, inspired by a conversation with Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha. Rising through the church ranks, he became Archbishop of Kraków, then cardinal, before being elected pope in 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. His pontificate focused on improving relations with Judaism, Islam, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, while maintaining traditional stances on key issues like abortion and celibate clergy. Known for his extensive travels, he visited 129 countries and beatified and canonized more people than any pope before him.
John Paul II played a significant role in opposing dictatorships and communism, notably contributing to the end of communist rule in Poland and Europe. He expanded the Church's influence in Africa and Latin America and upheld its presence globally. Posthumously, he was beatified in 2011 and canonized in 2014, though his handling of sexual abuse cases during his tenure remains controversial. His legacy includes the 1983 Code of Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, both pivotal in modern Catholicism.
Obverse
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Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below. Mint mark below left. REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES |
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Reverse
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Depicts a statue of His Holiness Pope John Paul II with an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, made entirely from keys. The keys symbolise Catholics giving the ‘key to their heart’ to the Pope. In the background are the Crossed Keys of St Peter, one of the symbols of the Papacy, value below within a banner. SAINT JOHN PAUL II |
Edge |
Characteristics
Type | Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating) |
Material | Cupronickel |
Weight | 28.28 g |
Diameter | 38.61 mm |
Thickness | 3 mm |
Shape | round |
Alignment | Medal |
Mint |
Pobjoy Mint (PM)
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