Malawi 5 Kwacha 2005

History

5 Kwacha 2005, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Brazil and Argentina

Obverse. Photo © WCN

Description

During his reign, Pope John Paul II, known as "The Pilgrim Pope," made 146 pastoral visits within Italy and 104 international trips, covering over 1,167,000 km (725,000 mi), more than all previous popes combined. He attracted massive crowds, with some of the largest gatherings in history. While some destinations, such as the United States and Israel, had been visited by his predecessor Paul VI, many were unprecedented papal visits. John Paul II visited 129 countries, including nine visits to Poland, eight to France, seven to the United States, and five each to Mexico and Spain. His travels spanned six continents, reaching countries such as Albania, Brazil, India, Israel, and the Philippines.

In June 1982, Pope John Paul II made a significant pastoral visit to Brazil and Argentina, two of Latin America's largest Catholic nations. His trip took place during a tense period, as Argentina was embroiled in the Falklands War with the United Kingdom. The Pope's visit to Argentina came as a call for peace and reconciliation, where he appealed to both the Argentine government and its people to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In Brazil, he addressed the country's profound social inequalities and expressed support for the marginalized, advocating for human dignity, justice, and the Church's role in uplifting the poor. His visit was marked by large crowds and widespread enthusiasm, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s influence in both nations during times of political and social upheaval.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion, Leopard Coat of arms Malawi Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above and denomination below. Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence. REPUBLIC OF MALAWI 20 05 UNITY AND FREEDOM 5 KWACHA
Reverse	Art (sculpture, painting etc.) Statue Coat of arms Vatican City Person (religious figure) Pope John Paul II Depicts Pope John Paul II blessing at the left of the Virgin of Luján with the name city above her, Vatican emblem below them behind a banner containing the date of visit (days and year) and the number of visits within a circle from 104 Papal visits surrounded by country names above with crosses above and inscription of occasion and His Holiness name below. Our Lady of Luján (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Luján) is a celebrated 16th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The image, also known as the Virgin of Luján (Spanish: Virgen de Luján), is on display in the Basilica of Luján in Argentina. The feast day of Our Lady of Luján is May 8. The Luján image was made in Brazil and sent to Argentina. The coat of arms of the Holy See combines two crossed keys and a tiara, used as the official emblem of the Holy See, and by extension the wider Catholic Church. These forms have origins attested from the 14th century. + + + + BRAZIL + ARGENTINA + + + + 01.06.-13.06. 13 1982 JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS
Edge	Reeded (milled)