Definition
Karol Wojtyła was the birth name of Pope John Paul II, who served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was the first non-Italian Pope in over 450 years. Before becoming Pope, he was a priest and Archbishop in Poland. He experienced the horrors of Nazi occupation and communist rule, shaping his worldview. Think of him as a historical figure who witnessed and helped change the world. His papacy was marked by extensive travel and a focus on social justice. He remains one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.