Pope John Paul II, the longest-serving Pope in history, was a remarkable figure who earned both admiration and criticism during his lifetime. He was known for his efforts to improve relationships between the Catholic Church and other religious groups, as well as his willingness to push the boundaries of religion and apologize for past wrongdoings. However, he also faced opposition for his stance on same-sex marriage and his criticism of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Karol Józef Wojtyła
- Died At Age: 84
- Family:
- Father: Karol Wojtyla
- Mother: Emilia Kaczorowska
- Siblings: Edmund Wojtyła, Olga Wojtyła
- Born Country: Poland
- Died on: April 2, 2005
- Place of Death: Apostolic Palace, Vatican City
- Notable Alumni: John Paul II Catholic University Of Lublin, Pontifical University Of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Jagiellonian University
- Diseases & Disabilities: Urinary Tract Infection
- Cause of Death: Septic Shock
- More Facts:
- Education: Jagiellonian University, Pontifical University Of Saint Thomas Aquinas, John Paul II Catholic University Of Lublin
- Awards: Order of the Smile 2004 – Presidential Medal of Freedom 2000 – Congressional Gold Medal 1993 – Order of the White Eagle 2004 – Charlemagne Prize 1995 · Spiritual PilgrimageL Texts on Jews and Judaism; 1979-1995 – National Jewish Book Award for Jewish-Christian Relations
Childhood & Early Years
Pope John Paul II, born Karol Jozef Wojtyla on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland, was the youngest of three children. He experienced great tragedies during his childhood, with his mother passing away when he was nine and his brother dying three years later. In 1938, he moved to Krakow with his father and enrolled at the Jagiellonian University, where he studied philosophy and languages. He also developed a passion for theater and learned 12 foreign languages. During World War II, he worked various jobs to support himself, including as a messenger, manual laborer, and factory worker.
Priesthood & World War II
After his father’s death, Wojtyla decided to become a priest and sought permission to study for the priesthood at the Bishop’s Palace in Krakow. He attended the Clandestine Underground Seminary and hid from the Nazis in his uncle’s basement during the war. After the war, he was ordained a priest and went to Rome to continue his studies. He returned to Poland and served as a priest in Niegowic and later at Saint Florian’s parish in Krakow. He also taught ethics at the Jagiellonian University and the Catholic University of Lublin.
Papacy
In 1978, after the death of Pope Paul VI, Wojtyla was elected as Pope John Paul II. He became the youngest Pope in history and was known for his extensive travels, visiting 129 countries during his papacy. He played a significant role in the decline of communism in Central and Eastern Europe and was credited with inspiring the solidarity movement in Poland. He also worked to improve relationships with other religions, including Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism.
Foreign Travels & Their Impacts
As Pope, John Paul II visited countries all over the world, including Mexico, Cuba, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Egypt, and Jerusalem. His visits had a significant impact, such as inspiring the solidarity movement in Poland and leading to the end of the dictatorial rule in Haiti. He also made efforts to improve relationships with Islamic leaders, becoming the first Pope to pray in an Islamic mosque. He maintained a good rapport with other religions, including Buddhism and Judaism.
Assassination Attempts & Controversies
John Paul II survived two assassination attempts during his papacy. He was shot by Mehmet Ali Ağca in 1981 and was stabbed by Juan María Fernández y Krohn in 1982. He faced controversies during his papacy, including criticism for his views on sexual reproduction and the ordination of women. He was also criticized for his stance on artificial birth control and the usage of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 2001, John Paul II was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He passed away on 2 April 2005 due to heart failure. His funeral was attended by world leaders and religious figures, and he was referred to as “John Paul the Great” by clergy and followers. His remains were reinterred in the Vatican after his funeral, and he is remembered as one of the most influential popes in history.