Pope Saint John Paul II
Also known as: Karol Wojtyla; Juan Pablo II; John Paul the Great
Saint
Post-Congregation
Feast Day
October 22
Born
May 18, 1920
Died
April 2, 2005
Canonized
27 April 2014 by Pope Francis
Beatified
1 May 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI at Rome, Italy
Biography
Pope Saint John Paul II, also known as Karol Wojtyla, was born on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. Growing up, Karol believed that God was calling him to the priesthood. Despite facing challenges, including surviving two near-fatal accidents, he responded to this calling and pursued his vocation. During the German occupation of Poland, Karol studied secretly and was ordained as a priest on 1 November 1946....