St. John Paul II

St. John Paul II

John Paul II was the Polish pope whose ministry from 1978 to 2005 reached Catholic communities across the world.

Life
1920–2005
Canonized
2014

Life and vocation

Born Karol Wojtyła in Wadowice, he became a priest and later archbishop of Kraków. He participated in the Second Vatican Council before his election as pope.

Faith in action

His teaching addressed human dignity, family life and Christian responsibility. International journeys, World Youth Days and dialogue with other religions marked his pontificate. His extensive writings provide the primary context for reading quotations attributed to him.

For readers in the United States

For readers in the United States, this collection includes Elizabeth Ann Seton and Kateri Tekakwitha alongside saints from other parts of the world. Follow the United States calendar for local observances.

This biography is not a liturgical reading. For the observances in your area, consult the local calendar and your diocese.

Explore the local liturgical calendar →Daily Catholic Quotes →

Sources and further reading

Sources checked:

Image credit

Bob McNeely · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain. Images resized for this page; social previews are cropped and include text.

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