Feast Day: October 22
Patron Saint of: World Youth Day, families, and the new evangelization

Karol Józef Wojtyła, known to the world as Pope John Paul II, was born on May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. He was ordained a priest in 1946, appointed bishop in 1958, and became Archbishop of Kraków in 1964. In 1978, he made history as the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, taking the name John Paul II.

A Papacy of Global Impact

During his 26-year pontificate (1978–2005), John Paul II became one of the most visible leaders in the world, traveling to over 129 countries and becoming known as the “pilgrim pope.” He was a tireless advocate for human dignity, peace, and religious freedom.

He played a critical role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, particularly in his native Poland, where his moral support empowered the Solidarity movement. His encyclicals—such as Redemptor Hominis, Evangelium Vitae, and Fides et Ratio—highlighted the dignity of the human person, the sanctity of life, and the harmony between faith and reason.

Defender of Life and Youth

John Paul II was a passionate defender of life from conception to natural death, and he boldly opposed the “culture of death” through his teachings. He also had a profound connection with young people, instituting World Youth Day in 1985, which continues to inspire millions of Catholic youth across the world.

Spiritual Legacy and Suffering

He lived with great personal suffering, especially in his later years as he battled Parkinson’s disease. His public witness to suffering was a testimony to redemptive suffering in Christ. His deep Marian devotion was expressed in his motto: “Totus Tuus” (“Totally Yours”), a reference to entrusting himself completely to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He authored numerous works, including his 1994 international bestseller Crossing the Threshold of Hope, and the Theology of the Body, a groundbreaking teaching on human sexuality and divine love.

Death and Canonization

Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast he himself had instituted. His funeral drew millions to Rome and was one of the largest gatherings of mourners in history.

He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on May 1, 2011, and canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, also on Divine Mercy Sunday.

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. .

O glorious prince St. Michael, 
chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, 
guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, 
servant in the house of the Divine King
and our admirable conductor, 
you who shine with excellence
and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,
who turn to you with confidence
and enable us by your gracious protection
to serve God more and more faithfully every day.