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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
May 18, 1920–April 2, 2005
Patron Saint of World Youth Day, families, young Catholics, Poland, and the Archdiocese of Kraków
Pope St. John Paul II was one of the most influential Catholic leaders of the modern era. Born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland, in 1920, he experienced suffering from an early age. His mother died when he was eight, his older brother died three years later, and his father died during World War II.
When Nazi Germany occupied Poland, the young Karol worked in a quarry and chemical factory to prevent being taken to serve in the German army. He secretly studied for the priesthood, was ordained in 1946, and eventually became Archbishop of Kraków. As a bishop, he participated actively in the Second Vatican Council and contributed to its document Gaudium et Spes, which addresses the Church’s relationship with the modern world.
On October 16, 1978, Karol was elected pope, taking the name John Paul II. His 27-year pontificate saw extensive international travel, evangelization, defense of human dignity, and a fervent call to encounter Jesus Christ. He established World Youth Day, bringing millions of young people together in prayer and celebration.
He also became known for his teaching on human love, marriage, the family, and the dignity of every human person. His numerous writings included 14 encyclicals, among them Redemptor Hominis (The Redeemer of Man), Evangelium Vitae (Gospel of Life), and Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist).
Deeply devoted to Divine Mercy, he canonized St. Faustina Kowalska in 2000 and established Divine Mercy Sunday for the universal Church. In 2002, he entrusted the universal Church to Divine Mercy at the newly dedicated shrine in Kraków-Łagiewniki.
He died on April 2, 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday. He was beatified in 2011 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2014.
Pope St. John Paul II’s life and ministry continue to echo his famous invitation: Do not be afraid to open the doors to Christ. Crossing many milestones in a changing world, his pontificate prepared the Church to enter the new millennium.
Before becoming pope, Karol Wojtyła participated in the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s as the auxiliary bishop and later Archbishop of Kraków. He contributed particularly to discussions concerning the Church’s understanding of the human person and her relationship with the modern world. He played a significant role in developing Gaudium et Spes, a pastoral plan for the Church in the Modern World. He promoted the dignity of every human person and the responsibility of Christians to engage the modern world while remaining rooted in Christ. His experience at the Council helped shape the theological vision that would characterize his pontificate.
The “Theology of the Body” is the name commonly given to a series of 129 Wednesday audience talks John Paul II delivered between 1979 and 1984. Drawing on Scripture, he reflected on the meaning of the human person, the body, marriage, sexuality, and the human vocation to love. He taught that the human body reveals something about the person and humanity’s call to self-giving love. These reflections became an important part of his teaching on marriage and family life. His approach sought to present Catholic teaching on human sexuality as part of a larger vision of human dignity and God’s plan for love.
Pope St. John Paul II had a remarkable ability to connect with young people, and he believed they had an essential role in the Church’s mission. He established World Youth Day in 1985 after the success of large gatherings of young people in Rome. These international celebrations gave young Catholics opportunities to pray together, receive the Sacraments, learn the Faith, and encounter other young believers from around the world. The pope repeatedly challenged young people to make Christ the center of their lives and to become missionary witnesses. The gatherings grew into enormous international events, with millions participating during some celebrations. He saw young people as the future of the Church as well as active members of her mission today.
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Joanna Bogle and Clare Anderson reflect on the life and legacy of St. John Paul II as they travel throughout various parts of his childhood town in Poland.
Visit Wadowice, the hometown of Karol Wojtyła, to see his family home and the church where he was baptized. Then, take a rafting trip along the Dunajec River, beloved by Pope John Paul II.
University professors discuss the life and legacy of St. John Paul II from his early days to his papacy and his efforts to free Poland from Communism.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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