John Paul II (Pope)

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła in 1920, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was known for his strong leadership, efforts to promote human rights, and his role in ending communism in Eastern Europe, particularly in his native Poland. He traveled extensively, engaging with people worldwide, and emphasized themes like forgiveness, dignity, and faith. His teachings and actions had a profound impact on the church and global politics. Canonized as a saint in 2014, he remains a highly influential religious and moral figure.