Archbishop Karol Wojtyła

Archbishop Karol Wojtyła was a Polish cleric who became the Archbishop of Kraków, Poland, and later the Pope, taking the name John Paul II. He was known for his leadership in promoting human rights, religious freedom, and interfaith dialogue during a time of political upheaval, including the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. As pope from 1978 to 2005, he emphasized the dignity of every person, upheld traditional Christian teachings, and traveled extensively to connect with people worldwide. His papacy was one of the longest, and he is remembered as a transformative figure in the Catholic Church and global history.