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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Vatican City State, issued on 18 October 2011 in a circulation of 115,000 copies. Dedicated to the XXVI World Youth Day in Madrid. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g. Minted at the IPZS in Rome.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a group of young people of different backgrounds, united in the movement of faith - they look up, to the sky, in the direction of the Cross. In the background are elements symbolizing Madrid as the host city of the event, possibly the silhouette of the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid or other Madrid landmarks. Around the composition are the inscriptions "XXVI GIORNATA MONDIALE DELLA GIOVENTÙ" (XXVI World Youth Day) and "CITTÀ DEL VATICANO". The obverse also features the year "2011" and the mint mark "R", the initials of the author and engraver. On the outer ring are the 12 stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix. A map of Europe without internal borders, on the left - the denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - the map. On the outer ring - the 12 stars of the EU. On the band - a groove with the inscription "2 ★ ★", repeated six times.
Historical context
The XXVI World Youth Day was held in Madrid, Spain, from 16 to 21 August 2011. It was announced by Pope Benedict XVI back in 2008 during the World Youth Day in Sydney. The theme chosen by the Pope was a quote from Holy Scripture, from the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Colossians 2:7: "Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, strengthened in the faith." For this World Youth Day, the Pope appointed nine official patrons, all Spanish saints: Isidore, John of the Cross, Maria de la Cabeza, John of Avila, Teresa of Avila, Rosa of Lima, Ignatius of Loyola, Rafael Arnais, and Francis Xavier. It is estimated that about 2 million young people participated in the all-night vigil at Cuatro Vientos Airport, which was one of the largest gatherings of young people in the history of the Spanish Church. During the event, the Pope declared John of Avila a "Doctor of the Church."