The National Bank of Ukraine decided to issue a commemorative coin in 2026 dedicated to Saint Pope John Paul II and the 25th anniversary of his historic Apostolic visit to Ukraine. NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy and Ukrainian Ambassador to the Holy See Andriy Yurash presented the idea, according to UNIAN.
Pope John Paul II made his Apostolic visit to Ukraine in June 2001. During his stay in Kyiv, he called himself a friend of the Ukrainian people and emphasized the European calling of Ukraine.
Pyshnyy said the central bank decided to preserve in metal the memory of a person and ideas that sound modern 25 years after the visit, specifically freedom, dignity, and Ukraine's European calling. Yurash said the decision honors the spiritual and intellectual heritage of John Paul II, noting that it confirms personal involvement with the saint and the intellectual and spiritual realm where he is the greatest figure.
Ukrainian and Polish solidarity
During the event, officials also honored the memory of Polish volunteer Marek Rusek-Wolski, who delivered humanitarian aid to residents of eastern Ukraine for several years. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland confirmed his death in Ukraine resulting from Russian military actions.
The National Bank of Ukraine emphasized that the new coin continues a tradition of Ukrainian-Polish solidarity. In 2023, the central bank and the Bank of Poland jointly issued a set of silver commemorative coins titled Friendship and Brotherhood - the Greatest Wealth. The central bank will release details regarding the design, face value, and mintage at a later date.
Recent commemorative coin releases
In July, the National Bank of Ukraine put into circulation a new circulating commemorative coin titled In Memory of the Executed, Tortured or Killed in Captivity. On May 15, the central bank put into circulation two new commemorative coins titled Executed Renaissance. Ivan Padalka and Executed Renaissance. Maik Yohansen.
