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.