Pope John Paul the Second
Pope John Paul II, formerly known as Karol Wojtyla, became Pope on October 16, 1978. He was the first Pope who was not an Italian in 455 years.
Karol Wojtyla was born in Poland and was raised during a period of national freedom. This freedom ended, first to the Nazi occupation and followed by Communist rule. Wojtyla's family had fled Poland during World War II, but the Russian invasion inspired him to return home. He studied in secret to avoid deportation as he worked as a laborer.
Karol Wojtyla was ordained in 1946. Over the next few years he wrote Christian texts, continued his studies and taught Catholicism as he worked towards religious freedom. His hard work led to him becoming a professor in Lublin. Soon after he became auxili9ary bishop and then in 1963, he was made archbishop of Krakow. Just four years later he was made a cardinal. During his time as a cardinal, he worked endlessly to gain concessions from the communist leadership.
Many were surprised when he was selected to be the next Pope. John Paul II is highly praised for his attempt at building a bridge between Christians and Jews, and Muslims. He traveled often as this was his main tool. He would speak to massive crowds which made it possible for Mehmet Ali Agca to attempt an assassination on Pope John Paul II. While he was seriously injured, this did not stop the Pope and even led to non-Catholics admiring his strength and his willingness to speak out against governments while he spoke from their country.
In John Paul's later years, he was affected by several health problems ranging from cancer to his ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease. However, these health problems could hardly slow him down. In March of 2000, the Pope made one of his most famous trips. He went to Jerusalem to meet with both Jewish and Muslim leaders in an attempt to bring peace and understanding to the region.
Sadly, in early 2005, the Popes health started to decline once again. After a long fight, John Paul passed in the Vatican on April 2nd, 2005 at the age of 84.
Three reasons to love Pope John Paul II
1.) John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy.2.) He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations.
3.) His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days.
Pope John Paul II at a Glance
John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, , ) born ; 18 May 1920 ? 2 April 2005) reigned as the 263rd Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death, almost 27 years later. His was the second-longest pontificate after Pius IX's 32-year reign. He has been the only Polish pope, and was the first non-Italian pope since the Dutch Adrian VI in the 1520s.
John Paul II was Pope during a period in which the Catholic Church's influence declined in developed countries but expanded in the Third World. During his reign, the pope...
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An Invitation to Prayer
An Invitation to PrayerAn Invitation to Prayer stands as an eloquent testimony to Pope John Paul II's message of peace and love -- a powerful collection that invites us to actively participate in prayer as a duty, a privilege, and an infinite source of comfort and hope.
Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way
Rise, Let Us Be On Our WayMore than just a collection of memories, however, Rise Let Us Be On Our Way is also a call to action. In discussing issues like the strength of mercy, the importance of harmony between faith, reason and the heart, and the necessity of encouraging children to pray, Pope John Paul II shows us that with little steps, we can change the world.
The Rosary Hour
The Rosary HourThe Rosary Hour is a celebration of the Pope's love of the prayer. It collects many of his public pronouncements and offers examples during the fifteen decades showing how the Rosary is a vibrant, living celebration of faith: "Reciting the holy Rosary is not a matter of repeating formulas but, rather, of entering into confidential conversation with Mary, speaking to her, showing her our hopes, confiding our pain, opening our heart to her, declaring to her our willingness to accept the plan of God, promising faithfulness to her in all circumstances, and especially those which are difficult and painful, sure of her protection and certain that she will obtain for us, from her Son, the grace necessary for our salvation."
Words of Inspiration
Words of InspirationPublished under the authority of the Vatican, this remarkable volume brings together Pope John Paul II's inspiring reflections and illuminating words of hope, peace, love, compassion, and spirituality, in a beautiful edition to treasure.
