Anthony Magdaleno

Pope St. John Paul II was one of the most influential Catholic leaders of the modern era. Born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland, in 1920, he experienced suffering from an early age. His mother died when he was eight, his older brother died three years later, and his father died during World War II. When Nazi Germany occupied Poland, the young Karol worked in a quarry and chemical factory to prevent being taken to serve in the German army. He secretly studied for the priesthood, was ordained in 1946, and eventually became Archbishop of Kraków. As a bishop, he participated actively in the Second Vatican Council and contributed to its document Gaudium et Spes, which addresses the Church’s relationship with the modern world. On October 16, 1978, Karol was elected pope, taking the name John Paul II. His 27-year pontificate saw extensive international travel, evangelization, defense of human dignity, and a fervent call to encounter Jesus Christ. He established World Youth Day, bringing millions of young people together in prayer and celebration. He also became known for his teaching on human love, marriage, the family, and the dignity of every human person. His numerous writings included 14 encyclicals, among them Redemptor Hominis (The Redeemer of Man), Evangelium Vitae (Gospel of Life), and Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist). Deeply devoted to Divine Mercy, he canonized St. Faustina Kowalska in 2000 and established Divine Mercy Sunday for the universal Church. In 2002, he entrusted the universal Church to Divine Mercy at the newly dedicated shrine in Kraków-Łagiewniki. He died on April 2, 2005, the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday. He was beatified in 2011 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2014. Pope St. John Paul II’s life and ministry continue to echo his famous invitation: Do not be afraid to open the doors to Christ. Crossing many milestones in a changing world, his pontificate prepared the Church to enter the new millennium. More: ewtnmission.com/dailysaint/p…