1920 - 2005
St. John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła in Poland on May 18, 1920, was the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He is known for his influential role in modernizing the Church, promoting human rights, and his efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue. His papacy was marked by extensive travel and a commitment to addressing social and moral issues worldwide.