Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Francs 2007, KM# 178, Congo, Democratic Republic, Beatification of Pope John Paul II
  • 5 Francs 2007, KM# 178, Congo, Democratic Republic, Beatification of Pope John Paul II
Description

The beatification of Pope John Paul II took place on May 1, 2011, marking a significant step in the canonization process, where he was declared "Blessed." This milestone was held in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City and drew an enormous crowd, as millions worldwide had been profoundly touched by his long and impactful papacy. Pope Benedict XVI presided over the ceremony, highlighting John Paul II’s contributions to the Church, including his advocacy for peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. The beatification followed the formal recognition of a miracle attributed to him — the healing of a French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, from Parkinson's disease. Beatification made him a patron figure for many, particularly youth, and allowed public veneration of John Paul II in specific regions, bringing him one step closer to sainthood, which was completed with his canonization in 2014.

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 vibrant, multicolored portrait of Pope John Paul II dressed in a cassock and mitre, with his name inscribed in Italian to the right. Across from the date of issue, an inscription captures the moment when the gathered crowd began chanting loudly, "Santo Subito," meaning "Make him a saint now!"

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 - SANTO SUBITO
2007

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Copper
Weight 27 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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