Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Rupees 2013, KM# 142, Seychelles, Election of Pope Francis
  • 5 Rupees 2013, KM# 142, Seychelles, Election of Pope Francis
Description

Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936) is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church, a title he holds ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and sovereign of Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory III, who reigned in the 8th century.

On 13 March 2013, Bergoglio was elected pope on the second day of the papal conclave, taking the name Francis. He was chosen on the fifth ballot, and the Habemus papam announcement was made by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn later remarked that Bergoglio's election was influenced by two supernatural signs, one confidential and the other involving a Latin-American couple. Upon election, Francis stood to receive congratulations, signaling a change in Vatican formalities. During his first balcony appearance, he wore a white cassock and his iron pectoral cross from Buenos Aires. He bestowed the Urbi et Orbi blessing, asking for prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and himself. His papal inauguration took place on 19 March 2013, focusing on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.

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
· 2013·

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pope Francis, his image is surrounded by the 14 Stations of the Cross and a design incorporating an illustration of rosary beads, further honours the new Pope with the wording in Latin ‘Habemus Papem’ meaning (We have a Pope) and his unofficial title ‘Pontifex Maximus Franciscum’ meaning (Pope Francis Maximus), value below.

The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis, depict Jesus Christ's journey on the day of his crucifixion, accompanied by prayers. Originating from imitations of Jerusalem's Via Dolorosa, the Stations facilitate a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of Christ's Passion. This devotion, prominent in Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist traditions, typically features 14 images arranged in order around a church nave, where worshippers stop to pray and reflect, particularly during Lent and Good Friday. The stations can vary in style from detailed plaques to simple crosses. Traditionally, the stations include Jesus' condemnation, carrying the cross, three falls, encounters with his mother and Simon of Cyrene, Veronica wiping his face, meeting the women of Jerusalem, being stripped, crucifixion, death, and burial. An unofficial fifteenth station sometimes includes Jesus' resurrection, while the Via Lucis focuses on the Stations of the Resurrection, from the resurrection to Pentecost.

HABEMUS PAPAM - PONTIFEX MAXIMUS FRANCISCUM I
5 RUPEES

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 28.3 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Pobjoy Mint (PM)

Related coins

Election of Pope Francis

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm