Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Austria
  • 5 Kwacha 2005, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Austria
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 Austria from September 10 to 13, 1983, marking his first official papal visit to the country. The visit was significant both spiritually and politically, as Austria held a unique position as a neutral country during the Cold War. During his time there, the Pope emphasized the importance of Christian unity, human rights, and peace in Europe. He celebrated Mass in Vienna’s St. Stephen's Cathedral and visited major Austrian cities like Salzburg and Mariazell, where he addressed the faithful on issues of faith and morality. His visit strengthened the bond between Austria and the Vatican, and it was seen as a moment of deep religious renewal for the Austrian Catholic community.

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 05
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding papal ferula blessing the crowd, the Mariazell Basilica with the city name below it, 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 names above with crosses above and inscription of occasion and His Holiness name below.

Mariazell Basilica, also known as Basilica Mariä Geburt, is a Roman Catholic church in Mariazell, Austria, and the country's most important Christian pilgrimage site. One of Europe's most visited shrines, it houses a miraculous wooden image of the Virgin Mary. Pope Pius X elevated it to the status of a minor basilica on 10 November 1907, later arranging the coronation of the Marian image on 8 September 1908. Mariazell remains the only church recognized as a national shrine for all German-speaking countries.

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.

+ + + + + + + AUSTRIA + + + + + + +
MARIAZELL
10.09.-13.09. 20 1983
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Austria

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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