John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła)

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła in Poland in 1920, was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years and is known for his charismatic leadership, extensive travels, and efforts to improve interfaith relations. He played a significant role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, particularly in his native Poland. His teachings emphasized the dignity of human life, social justice, and moral values, leaving a lasting impact on the Church and the world. Pope John Paul II was canonized as a saint in 2014.