Polish banknote honours late Pope

The note, worth 50 zloty (£9), portrays the Pope on both sides and will go into circulation in October.

It bears religious symbols linked to John Paul II, quotes from his speeches, a copy of his signature and the dates of his long papacy, from 1978 to 2005.

Poles are overwhelmingly Catholic and hold John Paul II, who died in April last year, in huge regard.

Many credit him with a key spiritual role in inspiring Poles to challenge Communism and with helping to bring an end to the Cold War.

The National Bank of Poland did not say how many of the new notes would be released on October 16, which marks the 28th anniversary of John Paul II's election as head of the Catholic Church.

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