Obverse. Photo © Numimarket.pl
  • 5 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Czech Republic
  • 5 Kwacha 2009, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Czech Republic
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 the Czech Republic from April 25 to April 27, 1997, was a landmark event that symbolized the renewal of faith in a country that had endured decades of communist oppression. The trip included stops in Prague and other cities, where he celebrated Mass and engaged with various segments of society, including youth and religious leaders. His visit to Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral was particularly significant, as he addressed the challenges faced by the Church in a post-communist society and encouraged the faithful to embrace their spiritual heritage. He also highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation among different faiths in promoting peace and understanding. Throughout his visit, the Pope's messages of hope, reconciliation, and the need for moral values resonated deeply with the Czech people, inspiring a renewed commitment to their Catholic faith and community life in the wake of their historical struggles.

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 facing right with the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Hradec Králové region in the background, 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 Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Czech: Katedrála svatého Ducha) is the main church of the Diocese of Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic and the seat of the current bishop, Jan Vokál. This late Gothic brick basilica, featuring two towers, is situated in the southwestern corner of Velké Square in Hradec Králové. Although the exact date of its construction is uncertain, it is traditionally associated with Elizabeth Richeza of Poland, the widow of King Wenceslaus II and King Rudolf I. Elizabeth, who made Hradec Králové her residence between 1308 and 1318, is believed to have initiated the cathedral's construction during this period.

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.

+ CZECH REPUBLIC +
HRADEC KRALOVE
25.04.-27.04. 76 1997
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Czech Republic

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 27.1 g
Diameter 38.7 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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