Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Francs 2004, KM# 164, Congo, Democratic Republic, Pope John Paul II's Visit to Congo, 25th Anniversary
  • 5 Francs 2004, KM# 164, Congo, Democratic Republic, Pope John Paul II's Visit to Congo, 25th Anniversary
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 denomination 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
5 FRANCS

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II praying, wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding a papal ferula surrounded by H.H name above, the inscription of occasion left opposite the date of visit.

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.

JEAN PAUL II
VISITE DU PAPE
5-6 Juin 2004

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 25.4 g
Diameter 38.8 mm
Thickness 2.9 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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