Obverse. Photo © ksnMTrybulski
  • 5 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Egypt
  • 5 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Egypt
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 made a historic visit to Egypt from February 24-26, 2000, marking the first time a pope visited the country. His pilgrimage was part of his broader journey to the Holy Land during the Jubilee Year 2000. In Egypt, the Pope met with President Hosni Mubarak and leaders of various Christian denominations, as well as Islamic clerics, including those from Al-Azhar University, a prominent center of Sunni learning. The visit aimed to foster interfaith dialogue, promote peace, and strengthen relations between Christians and Muslims. The Pope also visited Mount Sinai, a site of great significance to all three Abrahamic faiths.

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 10
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II praying, a пeneral view of Saint Catherine's Monastery, looking down from Mount Sinai in the background with the mount name 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.

Saint Catherine's Monastery, located on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery, built between 548 and 565 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Situated at the foot of Mount Sinai, it is believed to enclose the site of the burning bush seen by Moses. The monastery became a major pilgrimage site after the relics of Saint Catherine of Alexandria were brought there, eventually being renamed in her honor. It is controlled by the autonomous Church of Sinai and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient library and early Christian icons.

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.

+ EGYPT +
MOUNT SINAI
24.02.-26.02. 90 2000
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Egypt

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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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