Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 5 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Lebanon
  • 5 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Lebanon
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.

Pope John Paul II's visit to Lebanon from May 10 to May 11, 1997, was a historic and groundbreaking event, marking the first papal visit to the Middle East. The trip aimed to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in a country that had recently emerged from a prolonged civil war. During his stay, the Pope celebrated Mass for thousands in Beirut and met with various religious leaders, including Muslims and Druze, emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue and coexistence. He delivered powerful messages advocating for peace, social justice, and the dignity of every human being, urging the Lebanese people to embrace unity amid their diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The visit also included a poignant stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, where he prayed for peace in the region. His presence in Lebanon was seen as a strong gesture of hope and solidarity, inspiring many to work towards healing and rebuilding their nation in the spirit of love and understanding.

Obverse

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 09
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II, wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding papal ferula blessing crowds, Our Lady of Lebanon statue in the background, the city name of Maronite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch below it, 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 name above with crosses above and inscription of occasion and His Holiness name below.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon (also known as Our Lady of Harissa) is a Marian shrine and a pilgrimage site in the village of Harissa in Lebanon. Pope John Paul II visited the shrine during his official trip to Lebanon on May 10, 1997, where he celebrated mass in the modern Basilica. On December 8, 1998, the Vatican declared that the World Day of the Sick would take place on February 11, 1999, at Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa. The Pope prayed that Our Lady of Lebanon, who had witnessed the deep suffering of the Lebanese people, would extend her care to all those suffering around the world.

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. The combination of one gold and one silver key is a somewhat later development.

+ LEBANON +
BKERKA
10.05.-11.05. 77 1997
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Lebanon

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 24.9 g
Diameter -
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Republic, John Paul II in Austria

Papal Visits

Silver Plated Cupronickel, 27.1 g, ⌀ 38.7 mm
Republic, John Paul II in Brazil and Argentina

Papal Visits

Silver Plated Cupronickel, 27.1 g, ⌀ 38.7 mm
Republic, John Paul II in Canada

Papal Visits

Silver Plated Copper, 25.7 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm