Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II (born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland) was a spiritual leader whose nearly 27-year pontificate left a profound mark on both the Catholic Church and the world. Orphaned by age 21, he survived Nazi occupation during World War II and studied theology in secret before being ordained a priest in 1946. As Archbishop of Kraków from 1964, he championed human rights and helped inspire Poland’s Solidarity movement. Elected pope on October 16, 1978, he became the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years. Renowned for his extensive travels—visiting over 130 countries—he sought to bridge gaps between faiths, meeting with leaders of other religions, and famously encouraged young people through World Youth Day events. His staunch opposition to communist regimes in Eastern Europe bolstered the collapse of the Iron Curtain, and his numerous encyclicals addressed issues from social justice to the dignity of human life. Despite an assassination attempt in 1981, he forgave his would-be killer and fostered a message of reconciliation. Battling Parkinson’s disease in later years, he remained an emblem of courage until his death on April 2, 2005. Canonized in 2014, John Paul II is remembered for his charismatic presence, unwavering faith, and pivotal role in shaping late-20th-century history.