Obverse. Photo © dolohow1
  • 5 Kwacha 2011, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Canada, Guatemala and Mexico
  • 5 Kwacha 2011, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in Canada, Guatemala and Mexico
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 Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico from July 23 to August 1, 1997, was part of his mission to strengthen the Catholic faith across the Americas. In Canada, he attended the 12th World Youth Day in Toronto, where he connected with thousands of young Catholics, emphasizing themes of hope, unity, and the role of youth in the Church's future. His visit to Guatemala was marked by an appeal for peace and reconciliation, addressing the country's long-standing civil conflicts. In Mexico, he was warmly received by the deeply Catholic population, where he reaffirmed the importance of family and faith in daily life. This journey reflected his commitment to spreading the message of peace, social justice, and spiritual renewal across the continent.

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 11
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II wearing a cassock, and mitre, CN Tower in the background with the city name above 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.

The CN Tower, completed in 1976, is a 553.3-meter-high concrete communications and observation tower in downtown Toronto, Canada. Originally built by the Canadian National Railway to demonstrate the strength of Canadian industry, it became a landmark of Toronto's skyline and a symbol of engineering innovation. For 32 years, it held the title of the world's tallest free-standing structure until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2007. The tower attracts over two million visitors annually, featuring observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and an entertainment complex. It remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere.

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.

+ CANADA + GUATEMALA + MEXICO +
TORONTO
23.07.-01.08. 97 2002
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Canada, Guatemala and Mexico

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 27.1 g
Diameter 38.3 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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