50 zł John Paul II

The front of the note

A portrait of John Paul II holding his pastoral cross against the background of a stylised globe, which is a symbol of the pontificate’s universal nature. The Pope is wearing his pontifical vestments and is performing a greeting gesture. In his hand, he is holding a crosier – a symbol of papal power. On the right-hand bottom side of the note inscription: “John Paul II” and the pontificate’s term: 16 X 1978 – 2 IV 2005.

The back of the note

An episode which occurred during the Holy Mass for the inauguration of the pontificate of John Paul II depicting a special relationship between the Pope and Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński: as the Cardinal paid homage, John Paul II rose and performed a memorable gesture to express his respect to the Primate of Poland. On the right-hand side of the scene, a quotation from Letter to Poles: “There would be no Polish Pope on this chair of St. Peter […] if it was not for your faith undiminished by prison and suffering, your heroic hope […]”. Under the quotation the Pope’s facsimile signature and date he uttered those words: 23 October 1978. Under the text an outline of the Jasna Góra Monastery. Beneath the feet of both silhouettes, on the bands, the Episcopal mottos: Totus Tuus – the one of John Paul II and Soli Deo – the one of Cardinal Wyszyński.

A watermark

A papal coat of arms. On both sides of the note, a theme of Peter’s keys bound by a string.