John Paul II (Pope John Paul II)

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła in 1920, served as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years and is known for his role in strengthening the Church, promoting interfaith dialogue, and advocating for human rights. His visits to various countries and engagement with global issues, including the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, marked significant milestones in his papacy. He was canonized as a saint in 2014, reflecting his enduring impact on the Catholic Church and the world.