Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła in 1920, was the Pope from 1978 to 2005 and the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years. He is renowned for his role in improving relations between the Catholic Church and other religions, promoting human rights, and influencing the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, especially through his support for the Solidarity movement in Poland. His extensive travels and focus on youth, family, and social justice made him a popular and respected figure globally. Canonized in 2014, he is commemorated for his deep faith, leadership, and commitment to peace.