Obverse. Photo © Rzeszowski Dom Aukcyjny
  • 5 Kwacha 2012, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Switzerland
  • 5 Kwacha 2012, 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's visit to Switzerland on June 5 and 6, 2004, marked a significant occasion as he addressed the nation's Catholic community and emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and reconciliation. During his trip, the Pope participated in the 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Swiss Guard, the Vatican's elite military corps, underscoring their dedication and service to the Holy See. He also visited the city of Bern, where he met with representatives of different faiths and called for mutual respect and cooperation among religious communities. Additionally, the Pope celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of Bern, highlighting themes of unity, peace, and the need for Christian values in a multicultural society. His visit served to strengthen the ties between the Vatican and the Swiss people, inspiring them to uphold their faith in the face of contemporary challenges while fostering a spirit of solidarity and understanding within their diverse communities.

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 12
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II sitting on a chair blessing the Swiss Guards (former papal guards) holding halberd and their name at the right vertically, 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.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, established in 1506 by Pope Julius II, is one of the oldest military units still in operation, serving as the armed force and honor guard of the Holy See. Its primary role is to protect the Pope and the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The guards wear a distinctive Renaissance-style uniform in blue, red, orange, and yellow, and are equipped with both traditional weapons like halberds and modern firearms. Following the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, the Guard's security functions have expanded, with enhanced training in unarmed combat and small arms. Recruits must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males, aged 19 to 30, with Swiss military training. In 2024, the unit comprised 135 members, working alongside the Vatican’s Gendarmerie for security.

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.

+ SWITZERLAND +
BERN
SWISS GUARDS
05.06.-06.06. 103 2004
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 Copper
Weight 27.1 g
Diameter 38.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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