St John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła), 1920–2005
Born in 1920 in Wadowice, a charming small town near Krakow, Karol Wojtyła experienced loss and responsibility from an early age. He lost his mother when he was only nine, and his elder brother died in 1932. After completing secondary school in 1938, he moved with his father to Krakow to study Polish philology at the renowned Jagiellonian University. He had a deep passion for literature and theatre, which shaped both his intellect and sensibility.
The German invasion of Poland in September 1939 began a period of immense hardship. After the university was closed, he worked in a quarry to avoid deportation to forced labour in the German Reich. In 1941, he suffered the sudden death of his father. Karol nevertheless followed his profound vocation and in 1942 secretly began studying theology at an underground seminary established by Cardinal Sapieha, Archbishop of Krakow. The same cardinal ordained him to the priesthood on 1 November 1946.
He soon travelled to Rome, where he completed his theological studies with a doctorate. Returning to Poland in 1948, he devoted himself to pastoral work with students. He also taught ethics at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow and at the Catholic University of Lublin. Karol Wojtyła was appointed archbishop in 1963 and created a cardinal four years later. His ministry as priest and bishop took place under the shadow of the communist regime then ruling Poland.
On 16 October 1978, at the age of 58, he made history by becoming the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years and taking the name John Paul II. His pontificate was characterised by a fresh and open manner that touched people throughout the world. He made 104 international journeys, visiting believers on every continent and bringing them hope.
His famous appeal, “Do not be afraid! Open, open wide the doors to Christ!”, inspired millions. John Paul II restored courage and dignity to those who had been excluded. His direct and warm manner attracted enormous crowds. During his pontificate, he wrote 14 encyclicals and canonised 582 people, an impressive testimony to his faith and dedication.
His contribution to interreligious dialogue, particularly with Judaism, was especially important. He was the first Pope to visit a synagogue and prayed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a highly symbolic gesture of reconciliation and respect. For the Polish people, John Paul II became a “father of the nation” and one of its greatest moral authorities. His words and example played a decisive role in the rise of the Solidarność movement, which marked the beginning of the end of communist rule in Poland.
His contribution to the fall of communism and the strengthening of freedom in Eastern Europe was invaluable. After his death on 2 April 2005, the crowds gathered for his funeral honoured him as John Paul II the Great. Cries of “Santo Subito!”—“Sainthood now!”—filled St Peter’s Square and reflected the profound devotion he inspired. He was canonised on 27 April 2014, the Feast of Divine Mercy, a fitting culmination of his exceptional life and work.
