About St. John Paul II
St. John Paul II was one of the most influential popes in modern history, serving as head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. Born Karol Wojtyła in Poland in 1920, he lived through Nazi occupation and Communist rule, experiences that shaped his passionate defense of human dignity and religious freedom. As the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years, he transformed the papacy through his charismatic personality, extensive travels (visiting 129 countries), and ability to connect with young people through World Youth Day gatherings. He played a crucial role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, championed interfaith dialogue, and issued numerous influential writings including 14 encyclicals. Despite surviving an assassination attempt in 1981 and suffering from Parkinson’s disease in his later years, he continued his public ministry until his death in 2005, demonstrating remarkable courage and dignity in suffering. His funeral drew millions to Rome, with crowds chanting “Santo Subito” (Make him a saint immediately). He was canonized in 2014, just nine years after his death, making his path to sainthood one of the fastest in modern history.
Prayers & Devotions
