Pope John Paul II

Religious Leader

Birthday May 18, 1920

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace Wadowice, Poland

DEATH DATE Apr 2, 2005 (84)

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About

Second longest-serving pope in history who was the leader of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century who worked to bring together Christians, Jews, and Muslims. He was canonized as a Saint in April of 2014.

Before Fame

He was a playwright who would also perform with various theatre groups.

Trivia

He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate and helping end Communist rule in his native Poland and eventually all of Europe.

Family Life

He had two older siblings.

Associated With

He was the pope of the Catholic Church and was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI.