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 Hungary from September 6 to 7, 1996, was a historic occasion that celebrated the millennium of Christianity in Hungary, with a particular emphasis on the role of the Church in the nation's spiritual and cultural heritage. The visit included a significant stop at Pannonhalma Archabbey, one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On September 7, the Pope celebrated Mass at the Archabbey, recognizing its importance as a center of faith, education, and monastic life in Hungary. His presence underscored the enduring legacy of the Benedictine tradition and the Church's role in shaping Hungarian identity over the centuries. During his visit, he met with the monks, encouraged them to continue their commitment to spiritual renewal, and emphasized the importance of prayer, community, and service. The Pope's visit was warmly received and strengthened the bonds between the Catholic Church and the Hungarian people, inspiring a renewed commitment to their Christian heritage as Hungary embraced its history in a new era of freedom and democracy.

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 Pope John Paul II wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding a papal ferula blessing crowd, the Pannonhalma Archabbey facade with the tower in the background, the city name (Pannonhalma) 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 names above with crosses above and inscription of occasion and His Holiness name below.

The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey, also known as the Territorial Abbey of Saint Martin, is one of Hungary's oldest historical monuments, founded in 996 by Prince Géza. Located atop Mount Pannonhalma, the abbey honors Saint Martin of Tours and is the second-largest territorial abbey in the world, after Monte Cassino. The site features remarkable structures such as the 13th-century Basilica with a Crypt, a monumental Library housing 360,000 volumes, and a Baroque Refectory adorned with trompe-l'œil art. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996, the abbey's architectural evolution and historical significance as a cultural and religious center highlight its importance.

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.

+ HUNGARY +
PANNONHALMA
06.09.-07.09. 73 1996
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Hungary

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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