John Paul II (Wojtyła)

John Paul II, born Wojtyła in Poland, was the Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in over 450 years and played a significant role in shaping modern Catholicism. Known for his charismatic leadership, dedication to human rights, and efforts to improve church relations with other faiths, he also inspired millions through his speeches and travels worldwide. He was influential in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and emphasized the dignity of every person. Canonized as a saint in 2014, John Paul II remains a prominent religious and global figure.