Malawi 5 Kwacha 2009

History

5 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Cuba

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.

Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Cuba from January 21 to 26, 1998, marked the first papal visit to the island nation and was a significant moment for the Catholic Church in a country where religious practice had been largely suppressed under Fidel Castro's communist regime. The Pope's visit aimed to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and religious freedom, as he addressed both the Cuban people and the international community. His arrival was met with great enthusiasm, and he celebrated Mass at the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, where he called for a renewal of faith and hope, emphasizing the importance of human rights and dignity. Throughout his visit, he engaged with various sectors of Cuban society, including youth, families, and even government officials, urging them to build a more just and compassionate society. The visit ultimately fostered a greater acceptance of the Catholic Church in Cuba, paving the way for improved relations between the Vatican and the Cuban government.

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 09 UNITY AND FREEDOM 5 KWACHA
Reverse	Coat of arms Vatican City Person (politician, revolutionary, entrepreneur) Fidel Castro Person (religious figure) Pope John Paul II Depicts Pope John Paul II speaking with Fidel Castro with his name below his shoulder, the 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. Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926–2016) was a Cuban revolutionary and politician who led Cuba from 1959 to 2008, serving as prime minister and later president. A Marxist-Leninist and Cuban nationalist, he transformed Cuba into a one-party communist state, implementing socialist reforms and nationalizing industry. Castro came to power after leading a guerrilla movement that overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. His administration faced strong opposition from the U.S., leading to events like the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Internationally, Castro supported anti-imperialist movements and socialist governments, increasing Cuba's global influence. His leadership polarized opinion, with supporters lauding his fight for socialism and critics condemning his dictatorship and economic policies. 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. + CUBA + F. CASTRO 21.01.-26.01. 81 1998 JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS
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