John Paul II

John Paul II was born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920.
* He was ordained a priest in 1946 and served as auxiliary bishop of Kraków from 1958 to 1967.
* In 1967, he was appointed archbishop of Kraków and cardinal.
* He was elected pope on October 16, 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
* He reigned for 26 years, the third-longest pontificate in history.
* He was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice.
* He was also a champion of the poor and the oppressed.
* He died on April 2, 2005, and was canonized in 2014.

John Paul II was a towering figure in the 20th century, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.