The National Bank of Ukraine will issue a commemorative coin dedicated to Pope John Paul II

The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has announced its decision to issue a commemorative coin in honor of Pope John Paul II. The launch of the new coin in 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the pontiff’s historic visit to Ukraine, which took place in the summer of 2001. This was reported by Ukrinform.

NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy noted that the decision to commemorate the spiritual leader was motivated by his significant contribution to the recognition of Ukraine as a European nation. In his address during his 2001 visit, John Paul II emphasized that “Ukraine has a clear European calling,” affirming the country’s right to its own historical and cultural path.

In addition, the head of the National Bank recalled the Pope’s peacemaking mission, as he actively supported Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation. In 2003, the pontiff called on both peoples to forgive one another and overcome the “painful memory” of past grievances. It is worth noting that the issue of spiritual ties with the Vatican remains a relevant topic in Ukrainian society: earlier, authorities in the Lviv region proposed inviting the current Pope to Ukraine.

It should be noted that Maxim Ostapenko, director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve , recently presented a development concept for the shrine to the diplomatic corps, stating that in the future it should become the “Ukrainian Vatican.”