Saint John Paul II
Feast day: October 22
Holy Pope, universal pastor of the Church, apostle of human dignity and youth, model of courage in faith.
Karol Józef Wojtyła was born on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. He lost his mother early and lived through Nazi and communist occupation, studying theology in secret and working in theater.
Ordained a priest in 1946 and appointed bishop in 1958. As archbishop of Kraków and later cardinal, he defended religious freedom under the communist regime.
Elected Pope on October 16, 1978, he took the name John Paul II — the first non-Italian Pope in centuries. His pontificate lasted 26 years until 2005.
He traveled to more than 120 countries, promoted human dignity, family, and youth, and contributed decisively to the end of communism in Central Europe.
Beatified in 2011 and canonized in 2014. His liturgical feast is October 22. He is invoked for courage, vocation, and love of the Church.
Dedicated prayer
To the holy Pope, we ask the grace to live faith with courage, trust in God, and love the Church with Christ's heart.
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