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 France from August 21 to August 24, 1997, for World Youth Day (WYD), held in Paris, which brought together over one million young people from around the world, making it one of the largest gatherings in WYD history. During his visit, the Pope celebrated several Masses, including one at the Longchamp Racecourse, where he encouraged the youth to live out their faith with courage and hope. His messages emphasized unity, spiritual renewal, and the importance of Christian values in modern society. The visit was seen as a pivotal moment in strengthening the connection between the Church and young Catholics, inspiring them to actively engage in their faith and communities. The Pope's presence in Paris served as a powerful reminder of the Church's commitment to the next generation, fostering a sense of hope and purpose among the youth.

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 blessing the crowd, the Eiffel Tower in the background, the city name (Paris) below it, and 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, crosses above, and the inscription of the occasion and His Holiness's name below.

The Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, it was completed in 1889 as the centerpiece for the 1889 World's Fair, held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet), it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930. Initially criticized by some for its unusual design, the tower has since become a global symbol of France and an architectural marvel. Millions of visitors ascend its three levels each year to enjoy panoramic views of Paris.

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.

+ FRANCE +
PARIS
21.08.-24.08. 79 1997
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in France

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

Related coins

Republic, John Paul II in Austria

Papal Visits

Silver Plated Cupronickel, 27.1 g, ⌀ 38.7 mm
Republic, John Paul II in Brazil and Argentina

Papal Visits

Silver Plated Cupronickel, 27.1 g, ⌀ 38.7 mm
Republic, John Paul II in Canada

Papal Visits

Silver Plated Copper, 25.7 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm