Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Switzerland
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Switzerland
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 visited Switzerland from June 12 to June 17, 1984, as part of a trip aimed at fostering dialogue and promoting peace in a nation known for its neutrality and humanitarian efforts. During his visit, he addressed various groups, including Swiss Catholics, government officials, and young people, emphasizing the importance of social justice, solidarity, and the Church's commitment to the common good. The Pope celebrated a Mass in the Bernese Alps, where he spoke about the need for peace in the world and the role of faith in overcoming division and conflict. His presence highlighted Switzerland's unique position as a crossroads of cultures and faiths, and he urged the nation to continue its mission as a peacebuilder on the global stage. The visit was warmly received, reinforcing the bonds between the Swiss Catholic community and the Vatican while inspiring many to actively engage in efforts toward reconciliation and humanitarian aid.

Obverse

Depicts the emblem 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

Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II smiling facing right with Einsiedeln Abbey in Einsiedeln district in the background, 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.

Einsiedeln Abbey, located in the village of Einsiedeln, Switzerland, is a Catholic monastery run by the Benedictine Order and is one of the most significant baroque monastic sites in the country. It is also Switzerland's largest pilgrimage destination, drawing around 800,000 visitors annually, many of whom come to venerate the Black Madonna in the Chapel of Grace. The monastery, home to around 40 monks, operates independently as a territorial abbey. It sustains itself through various businesses, including a private school, winery, sawmill, and restaurant. The abbey’s origins date back to 934, when it was founded by Eberhard on the site of St. Meinrad's hermitage.

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.

+ + + + SWITZERLAND + + + +
EINSIEDELN
12.06.-17.06. 22 1984
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Switzerland

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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