100 euro gold coin 2024 2nd Vatican Council’s declarations

This 100 euro gold coin is dedicated to the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Dignitatis Humanae, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 7 December 1965. It solemnly proclaims the principle of religious freedom: “This Vatican Council declares that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all people should be immune from coercion by individuals, social groups, or any human power…” Artist Gabriella Titotto, inspired by Blessed Angelico’s masterpiece in the Niccoline Chapel of the Vatican Museums, depicts the stoning of Saint Stephen, arrested for blasphemy and condemned to death, who became the first Christian martyr for his unshakable faith in Christ.The scene unfolds in three moments: to the right, the Saint prays while suffering martyrdom; at the centre, the executioners violently hurl stones; on the left, a group of men silently and motionlessly witnesses the unfolding injustice.