Pope John Paul II QUOTES

Pope John Paul II (born Karol Józef Wojtyła, May 18, 1920 – April 2, 2005) was the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, serving from October 16, 1978, until his death in 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and one of the most influential global leaders of the 20th century.

Early Life and Background

• Born: Wadowice, Poland
• Parents: Karol Wojtyła and Emilia Kaczorowska
• Education: Studied literature and drama at Jagiellonian University before entering clandestine seminary studies during World War II under Nazi occupation.

Karol lost his entire immediate family by the age of 21, a loss that deeply shaped his spiritual and emotional resilience.

Priesthood and Rise in the Church

• Ordained a priest: 1946
• Bishop: 1958
• Archbishop of Kraków: 1964
• Cardinal: 1967

As a church leader in Communist Poland, he became a strong advocate for human rights, religious freedom, and social justice.

Writings and Teachings

Pope John Paul II was a prolific writer and thinker. Notable works include:

• Theology of the Body – a series of teachings on sexuality, marriage, and human dignity.
• Redemptor Hominis (The Redeemer of Man) – his first encyclical.
• Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) – exploring the harmony between belief and intellect.
• Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) – on the sanctity of human life.

He also published poetry, plays, and philosophical works, even before becoming pope.