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Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland, was the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the second-longest-serving pope in history.

During his pontificate, Pope John Paul II was known for his strong stance against communism and his efforts to improve Catholic-Jewish relations. He made more than 100 trips abroad, visiting over 120 countries, and drawing crowds of millions of people. He is remembered for his role in helping to end communist rule in Europe, his support for human rights, and his work to promote interfaith dialogue.

Pope John Paul II was also a prolific writer, having authored over 15 encyclicals, numerous books, and poetry. He also made significant contributions to the theology of the Catholic Church, particularly in the areas of human dignity, social justice, and the role of the family.

In 1981, Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter’s Square, which left him severely wounded. Despite this, he continued to travel extensively, reaching out to young people, the sick, and the poor.

In his later years, Pope John Paul II suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which caused him to struggle with mobility and speech. Despite his declining health, he continued to lead the Catholic Church until his death on April 2, 2005.

Pope John Paul II was canonized as a saint on April 27, 2014, by Pope Francis. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, whose impact reached beyond the Catholic Church, and whose message of love, peace, and compassion continues to inspire people around the world.