Pope John Paul II's visit to Armenia Medal, September 25-27, 2001

ANRO-1713

Obverse: Features a left-facing profile portrait of Pope John Paul II, wearing the papal mitre. The inscription around the edge reads "JOANNES PAVLVS PP II" ("John Paul II").

Reverse: Depicts Pope John Paul II in a blessing pose, holding a crosier. The inscription at the top reads "ARMENIA 25-27.IX.2001 ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ" ("Armenia 25-27 September 2001"). Below, the inscription "UT UNUM SINT" ("That they may be one") is featured, marking the Pope’s visit to Armenia.

Specifications:
Artist / Engraver: L. Pancotto (Loredana Pancotto) / S. Johnson
Mint:
Edge: Plain
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO Collection inv. no

The medal commemorates Pope John Paul II's visit to Armenia from September 25 to 27, 2001. This visit was significant as it marked the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity as the state religion, an event that occurred in 301 AD. The visit was not only a historic moment in the relationship between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Roman Catholic Church but also symbolized a step towards strengthening the ties between these two ancient Christian communities.

During his visit, Pope John Paul II participated in various events, including an ecumenical ceremony at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan and a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd, where he paid his respects to the victims of the genocide.