Obverse. Photo © WCN
  • 10 Francs 2004, KM# 145, Congo, Democratic Republic, Pope John Paul II, Prophet of Peace
  • 10 Francs 2004, KM# 145, Congo, Democratic Republic, Pope John Paul II, Prophet of Peace
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

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
10 FRANCS

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pope John Paul II, standing on papal ferula in praying, with the inscription of occasion in French, Italian, English, and Spanish respectively, date above him and his signature below.

Le prophète de la paix
Il profeta della pace
The prophet of peace
El profeta de la paz
2004
Joannes Paulus II

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 25.4 g
Diameter -
Width 47 mm
Height 27 mm
Thickness -
Shape rectangular
Alignment Medal

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