Born on this day in 1920, Karol Józef Wojtyła, later Pope Saint John Paul II, was born in Wadowice, Poland, and would grow to become a shepherd marked by courage, intellect and deep pastoral faith.
Shaped early by prayer, study and the sacraments, he lived through the darkness of war before responding to his vocation to the priesthood, being ordained in 1946.
After serving as a bishop and cardinal, he was elected Pope on 16 October 1978. During his pontificate, he preached the Gospel across the world, authored major Church teachings, and inspired generations of Catholics, especially young people through initiatives such as World Youth Day.
He died on 2 April 2005 and was canonised by Pope Francis in 2014, leaving a lasting legacy of faith, courage and trust in Christ.
