Malawi 5 Kwacha 2009

History

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

Obverse. Photo © Numimarket.pl

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 Brazil from October 2 to 6, 1997, was a significant event commemorating the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese in Brazil. During this trip, the Pope focused on themes of social justice, human rights, and the importance of the Catholic Church in addressing the challenges faced by the Brazilian people, particularly the poor and marginalized communities. He celebrated a historic Mass at the Campo da Fé in Aparecida, which drew over 100,000 attendees, emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to faith and community service. The Pope also met with various groups, including indigenous peoples and youth, encouraging them to embrace their cultural heritage while fostering a spirit of solidarity. His visit served to inspire hope and reaffirm the Church's mission in Brazil, highlighting the critical role of faith in building a more just and equitable society amidst the country's social inequalities.

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	Person (religious figure) Pope John Paul II Sport, Olympics Stadium Symbol, amulet, talisman Papal ferula Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II, wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding papal ferula blessing crowds, Maracana stadium in the background, its name 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. Maracanã Stadium, officially known as Journalist Mário Filho Stadium, is a famous football stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Opened in 1950 for the FIFA World Cup, it hosted the historic match where Uruguay defeated Brazil 2–1 in front of a record-breaking 173,850 spectators. Initially built with a massive capacity, it has been renovated multiple times, reducing its current seating to 73,139. The stadium has hosted iconic matches, including club derbies like the Fla-Flu, and major events such as the 2014 World Cup final, 2016 Olympic ceremonies, and Copa Libertadores finals. The name "Maracanã" comes from the nearby river and an indigenous term for a type of parrot. In 2021, the Rio legislature proposed renaming it to honor football legend Pelé. 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 + + + + MARACANA STADIUM 02.10.- 06.10. 80 1997 JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS
Edge	Reeded (milled)