Congo, Democratic Republic 10 Francs 2005

History

10 Francs 2005, Congo, Democratic Republic, In Memoriam Pope John Paul II

Obverse. Photo © Numimarket.pl

Description

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.

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a mature male lion standing to the left amid the grass, symbolizing strength and authority. Above the lion is the country’s name in French, and the denomination of the 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 10 FRANCS 2005
Reverse	Costume (hat, dress etc.) Zucchetto, solideo, pileolus Person (religious figure) Pope John Paul II Symbol, amulet, talisman Papal ferula Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II praying, a gilded papal ferula opposite to him surrounded by gilded series title and H.H name in French, served as Pope and death dates above him. En Memoire du Pape Jean-Paul II 1978-2005
Edge	Reeded (milled)