10 Vatu First Pope in a Synagogue

Issued to mark John Paul II's 1986 visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome — the first time a reigning pope had entered a Jewish house of worship in recorded history. He referred to the Jewish people there as "elder brothers," a phrase that drew both praise and considerable theological debate in the years that followed.

Vanuatu has no meaningful connection to either the Vatican or Rome's Jewish community. These silver-plated copper issues are frankly collectibles manufactured for the commemorative market, produced under license and sold internationally rather than circulated in Port Vila.