Vatican City
Johannes Paul II
God's representative on earth, he extended the papal hand to more people than almost anyone before him. A pope whose influence extended far beyond the confines of the Catholic church.
Portrait
Johannes Paul II
Vatican City
Karol Józef Wojtyla was born in Poland on 18 May 1920. He was a lively child, literary-loving adolescent and a student who performed his own works in experimental theatre groups. And a person who simply was not prepared to accept the injustices of war. It was only joining a seminary that spared him from deportation to Germany. After the war, Wojtyla impressed his congregation and soon made a name for himself at the Vatican Council.
His popularity and profile helped him on his way to becoming pope in 1978. Pope John Paul II – to use the papal moniker he chose for himself – was very comfortable among his flock, even though from time to time members turned out to be wolves in sheep's clothing. A prolific traveller, he made numerous official trips abroad and survived two attempts on his life. His determination to bring people together was at the heart of his unique character. On 1 May 2011 he was beatified.