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The Vatican City State Mint has released an official medal on the theme of peace in Ukraine, and as a way to join calls for a return to dialogue. On the 24th February 2022, Russian armed forces began the war against Ukraine by crossing over internationally recognised borders and occupying Ukrainian territory.
The medals are produced by the Alberti Visconti SenesiMetals Manufacturing — AVS at their facilities in Pognano, Bergamo, on behalf of the Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica — CFN and are designed by Orietta Rossi (obverse) and Daniela Longo (reverse). The obverse side depicts three generations of one family fleeing from a city destroyed by bombs with their entire lives in a suitcase, a child carries her stuffed toy and is guided by her mother who is walking towards us reminding us of a duty to comfort and show solidarity. At the top, in both Latin and Cyrillic texts are the words PAX – MИP (“peace”). The reverse side depicts a dove of peace with an olive branch above the name of His Holiness Pope Francis and his coat of arms. The text in Italian is part of a special prayer His Holiness recited during his general audience on the 16th March imploring God to forgive humanity for waging war, especially the war in Ukraine, which reads:
SIGNORE GESÙ, NATO SOTTO LE BOMBE DI KYIV, MORTO IN BRACCIO ALLA MAMMA IN UN BUNKER DI KHARKIV, MANDATO VENTENNE AL FRONTE, ABBI PIETÀ DI NOI.
“Lord Jesus, born under bombs falling on Kyiv, who died in a mother’s arms in a bunker in Kharkiv, a 20-year-old sent to the front lines, have mercy on us.”
– Franciscus, Pontifex Maximus
Item |
Metal |
Weight | Diameter | Quality |
Maximum Mintage |
Medal |
.925 Silver |
23 g | 35 mm | Cast |
To meet demand |
Each medal is priced at €50 and presented in a printed box with an image of Pope Francis.
The Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica — CFN has advised that all proceeds from the sale of the medals will be donated to the foundation of the Holy Father for charitable work in favour of the Ukrainian people. For additional information, please click here.
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