Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Franc 2004, KM# 158, Congo, Democratic Republic, 25th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Visit, Pope John Paul II in 1978
  • 1 Franc 2004, KM# 158, Congo, Democratic Republic, 25th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Visit, Pope John Paul II in 1978
Description

In 1979, Pope John Paul II made significant pastoral visits to the Democratic Republic of Congo (then known as Zaire) as part of his global mission to strengthen the Catholic faith and promote peace and human dignity.

In May 1980, during his visit to Zaire, the Pope addressed the importance of unity and reconciliation in a country that was under the authoritarian rule of Mobutu Sese Seko. He spoke to large crowds, emphasizing social justice, peace, and the role of the Church in advocating for the oppressed. His visit was seen as a message of hope amid political and social challenges in Zaire at the time.

Obverse

Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a mature male lion standing to the left amid grass, symbolizing strength and authority. Above the lion is the country’s name in French, and the date of issue is placed below.

Kabila’s regime, which began in 1997 after he overthrew Mobutu Sese Seko, was characterized by efforts to rebuild the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) after decades of dictatorship. His government sought to restore national sovereignty, but faced internal conflict and external pressures, particularly during the Second Congo War.

REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
2004

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II facing left, denomination and his name H.H name at the left opposite to the date elected Pope.

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years.

In August 1978, following the death of Pope Paul VI, Wojtyła voted in the papal conclave, which elected John Paul I. John Paul I died after only 33 days as pope, triggering another conclave.The second conclave of 1978 started on 14 October, ten days after the funeral. It was split between two strong candidates for the papacy: Cardinal Giuseppe Siri, the conservative Archbishop of Genoa, and Cardinal Giovanni Benelli, the liberal Archbishop of Florence and a close friend of John Paul I.

PAPE JEAN PAUL II
1F
1967

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Clad Steel
Weight 5 g
Diameter 24.8 mm
Thickness 1.6 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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