John Paul II

Pope John Paul II (b. May 18, 1920, died April 2, 2005), born Karol Józef Wojtyła, in Wadowice, Poland succeeded John Paul I and preceded Benedict XVI. He held the second longest papacy in modern times and was the first non-Italian Pope in over 500 years. He became Vicar of Christ in 1978, the year of three Popes. He was fluent in ten languages and would often give his homilies in the local language of countries he visited. By using Godly Love, he stood up to the Nazis and the Communists and overcame them both. His pontificate was successful in keeping a vibrant modern Church in strict accordance with Apostolic traditions. He had Canonized more Saints than any other Pope. It is widely believed that John Paul II will be a Saint and have a title of "John Paul the Great."