Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Rupees 2014, KM# 144, Seychelles, Canonization of Pope John Paul II
  • 5 Rupees 2014, KM# 144, Seychelles, Canonization of Pope John Paul II
Description

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

Depicts the coat of arms of Seychelles, country name above, date below. Mint mark below left.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Seychelles shows a shield, in which a giant tortoise is located on grounds. On the ground there is a coco de mer palm tree. Behind it there is a sea with two islands and a sail ship to be seen. The shield is enthroned by a helmet, on which a white-tailed tropicbird is located above waves. The shield is supported by two white sailfish. Beneath the shield the motto of Seychelles is stated: "Finis Coronat Opus" (Latin for "The End Crowns the Work").

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
FINIS·CORONAT·OPVS
PM
· 2014·

Reverse

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.

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe (Spanish: Virgen de Guadalupe), is a Catholic title for Mary, mother of Jesus. This title is linked to five Marian apparitions witnessed by Mexican peasant Juan Diego and his uncle, Juan Bernardino, in December 1531, under Spanish rule. An image associated with these apparitions is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Pope Leo XIII granted the image a decree of canonical coronation in 1887, and it was crowned in 1895. The basilica is the most-visited Catholic shrine globally and the third most-visited sacred site in the world.

SAINT JOHN PAUL II
5 RUPEES

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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