Karol Wojtyla was born on 18 May 1920, in the Polish town of Wadowice. Today he is far better known as Pope John Paul II.

Soon after Wojtyla began studying at university the Germans invaded his country and closed the university. Wojtyla managed to continue his studies in secret, and was ordained as a priest in 1946.

Wojtyla rose steadily through the church as his abilities and talents came to the notice of his superiors. In 1963, Wojtyla was made Archbishop of Krakow. In the following years he opposed the repressive Communist government of his country, but was astute enough to keep the Church out of serius trouble. At the same time, his writings and abilities brought him world renown in Church affairs.

When Pope John Paul I died unexpectedly, Wojtyla attended the Conclave of October 1978 and was elected Pope. Since his election John Paul II has shown himself to be a firm and popular church leader. He has travelled extensively, taking the teaching of the Roman Catholic church into the lives of millions.

Editors Note:

On Sunday, 27 April 2014, John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were declared saints on Divine Mercy Sunday.