Giovanni Paolo II

Giovanni Paolo II, known as Pope John Paul II, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and played a pivotal role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland. His papacy emphasized interfaith dialogue, human rights, and youth engagement. He was known for his charisma, global travels, and efforts to address modern issues such as poverty and violence. John Paul II was canonized as a saint in 2014, reflecting his lasting legacy in both the church and the broader world.