Description

Pope John Paul II was canonized on April 27, 2014, during a historic ceremony at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, presided over by Pope Francis. His canonization came nearly nine years after his death and just two miracles attributed to his intercession were validated by the Vatican, which is a requirement for sainthood in the Catholic Church. The event drew massive crowds, with an estimated 800,000 pilgrims and dignitaries from around the world attending to celebrate his legacy and contributions to the Church and global society. John Paul II was revered for his role in promoting human rights, fostering interfaith dialogue, and helping to end communist rule in Eastern Europe. His canonization was seen as a recognition of his profound spiritual impact and enduring influence on the Catholic Church, further solidifying his status as one of the most significant popes in modern history.

Obverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II praying on the opposite of the Main façade and dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome with an inscription in Italian where the large crowd attending suddenly started to chant loudly “Santo subito” which literally means “Make him a saint now!”, a third crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem dividing the coat of arms of Malawi and denomination above, the date, country name below.

The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, located in Vatican City, is one of the most renowned works of Renaissance architecture and an important pilgrimage site for Catholics around the world. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the basilica was designed by prominent architects such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, showcasing a stunning combination of grandeur and artistic mastery. Its iconic dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the skyline and is one of the largest in the world. The interior is adorned with remarkable artworks, including the famous Pietà by Michelangelo and the magnificent Baldachin by Bernini, which marks the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first pope. The basilica not only serves as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the Catholic Church's authority and spiritual heritage.

POPE JOHN PAUL II (16.X.1978 - 2.IV.2005)
SANTO SUBITO
50 MWK
REPUBLIC OF MALAWI 2011

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II with a halo around him, blessing a crowd. The Poland map shows the pope’s triple coffin and a cross hanging in the background. The Keffiyeh of Pope John Paul II is surrounded by an inscription in Latin meaning "Blessed John Paul II" with the date below.

Pope John Paul II was laid to rest in a unique triple coffin system, symbolizing the significance of his life and papacy. The innermost coffin, made of zinc, was encased in a wooden coffin adorned with ornate designs, which itself was housed in a final outer coffin crafted from fine, polished oak. This elaborate arrangement was designed to ensure the preservation of his remains, reflecting the respect and reverence held for him by the Catholic Church and the faithful around the world. The triple coffin was interred in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects to the beloved pope, who served from 1978 until his death in 2005. The decision to use a triple coffin underscored the pope's profound legacy, emphasizing both his spiritual impact and the enduring memory he left within the Catholic Church.

BEATUS IOANNES PAULUS II
1.V.2011

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 93.3 g
Diameter 65 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

Related coins

Canonization of Pope John Paul II

Cupronickel, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm

Canonization of Pope John Paul II

Silver, 28.28 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm