Obverse. Photo © ksnMTrybulski
  • 5 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in India and Georgia
  • 5 Kwacha 2010, Malawi, Papal Visits, John Paul II in India and Georgia
Description

During his reign, Pope John Paul II, known as "The Pilgrim Pope," made 146 pastoral visits within Italy and 104 international trips, covering over 1,167,000 km (725,000 mi), more than all previous popes combined. He attracted massive crowds, with some of the largest gatherings in history. While some destinations, such as the United States and Israel, had been visited by his predecessor Paul VI, many were unprecedented papal visits. John Paul II visited 129 countries, including nine visits to Poland, eight to France, seven to the United States, and five each to Mexico and Spain. His travels spanned six continents, reaching countries such as Albania, Brazil, India, Israel, and the Philippines.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above and denomination below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
20 10
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II blessing crowd, a general view of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi in background with the city name below it, the Vatican emblem below them behind a banner containing the date of visit (days and year) and the number of visits within a circle from 104 Papal visits surrounded by country names above with crosses above and inscription of occasion and His Holiness name below.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, or Sameba Cathedral, is a monumental Orthodox church in Tbilisi, Georgia, and one of the largest in the world. Built between 1995 and 2004, it commemorates 1,500 years of Georgian Orthodox Church autocephaly and 2,000 years of Christianity. Blending traditional Georgian ecclesiastical styles with modern design, the cathedral features a towering central dome, intricate frescoes, and mosaics. Standing 87 meters tall, it dominates Tbilisi’s skyline and serves as a spiritual and cultural symbol of Georgia, hosting major religious and national events.

Pope John Paul II made pastoral visits to Georgia and India in November 1999, emphasizing interfaith dialogue and cultural engagement. In India from November 6–8, he celebrated the richness of India’s diverse spiritual heritage while addressing Catholic communities, promoting harmony among religions, and marking the publication of the Ecclesia in Asia apostolic exhortation. From November 8–9 in Georgia, he strengthened ties with the Georgian Orthodox Church and Catholic faithful, fostering ecumenical relations and recognizing the country's deep Christian roots. These visits highlighted the Pope's commitment to global outreach and unity.

The coat of arms of the Holy See combines two crossed keys and a tiara, used as the official emblem of the Holy See, and by extension the wider Catholic Church. These forms have origins attested from the 14th century.

+ INDIA + GEORGIA +
TBILISI
05.11.-09.11. 89 1999
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in India and Georgia

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KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 25.7 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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