Republic of Seychelles 2014 - Canonisation of Saint John Paul II - Cupro Nickel Rupee

The path to sainthood – Saint John Paul II

On 27th April 2014, Blessed John Paul II officially became a Saint of the Catholic Church when he was canonised by H.H. Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.  

Born in Wadowice, Poland in 1920, Karol Józef Wojtyła was one of the most popular and widely-travelled Popes in history visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. The first non-Italian Pope for more than 400 years, he was appointed Pope in October 1978 and led the Catholic Church until 2005.  The second-longest serving Pope in modern history (after Pope Pius IX) the Pontiff stood out for his media friendly style, was a fierce critic of communism and is credited with helping inspire opposition to communist rule in Eastern Europe.

John Paul II's cause for canonisation commenced in 2005 one month after his death when the traditional five-year waiting period was waived. Two miracles, the number usually required for canonisation, were officially attributed to Pope John Paul – the first, the curing of a French Nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre Normand who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  The second miracle came on the day of John Paul II’s beatification by his successor, when a Costa Rican woman reportedly made an ‘inexplicable recovery’ from a serious brain illness.

This exceptional commemorative coin celebrates the life of a Saint, and also a rare moment in papal history. A limited edition, this Uncirculated Cupro Nickel collector’s coin comes in a stunning presentation pouch.