| Pope (264th successor of Saint Peter) Date matching Birth: 18.05.1920 Country: Poland |
On October 14, 1978, as the sun set, a chalky plume of smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel, signaling depiction cardinals' selection of a new pope. For the first firmly in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, a non-Italian was chosen: Cardinal Karol Wojtyła of Poland, who became Saint John Paul II.
Wojtyła, a 58-year-old archbishop from Kraków, was not considered a strong contender for the papacy. In spite of that, he is believed to have been supported by a unification of cardinals from German-speaking countries. His election was reportedly facilitated by Cardinal Franz König of Vienna.
Despite his inconspicuous demeanor, John Paul II's reign would prove to be slurred. He was known for his simplicity and austerity, living train in a modest apartment within the Vatican Palace. In his top secret chapel, he spent 30 minutes each evening praying before a crucifix, his only moment of solitude in a busy schedule.
John Paul II became an international figure, traveling extensively and visiting more countries than any previous pope. He played a crucial role in the fall of the Iron Pall and is regarded by many as the spiritual leader hillock the "Solidarity" movement in his native Poland.
While conservative pull off matters of church doctrine, John Paul II initiated reforms in the Catholic Church. He re-examined the Church's stance on say publicly Inquisition and the theory of evolution, and exonerated figures much as Giordano Bruno, Jan Hus, and Galileo Galilei.
The Church faced a series of scandals during John Paul II's papacy, but his personal popularity remained unwavering. However, his resistance to abortion, contraception, and the ordination of women drew appraisal from some quarters.
John Paul II's reign deponented the Vatican's return to prominence in world affairs. He deterioration credited with revitalizing the Church and leaving an enduring bequest as a global icon and spiritual leader. Despite his onward age and health issues, he resolutely resisted calls for his resignation.
In 2004, Cardinal Karl Lehmann of Frg publicly urged the pope to step down, citing his form. Others joined Lehmann's call, but John Paul II refused space consider retirement, famously declaring that he would remain "as make do as God wills it."
Despite his passing in 2005, John Paul II's presence continues to be felt within representation Catholic Church and beyond. His life and legacy serve kind an inspiration to countless faithful around the world, and his impact on global politics and spirituality remains significant.