Biography
Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland. He lost his mother at age 9, his brother at 12, and his father at 20. During World War II he worked in a quarry and chemical factory to avoid deportation. He was ordained a priest in 1946 and became Archbishop of Kraków in 1964. Elected pope on October 16, 1978, he was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first Polish pope in history. His 27-year pontificate was the third longest in history. He traveled to 129 countries. He survived an assassination attempt on May 13, 1981, attributing his survival to Our Lady of Fátima. His support of the Solidarity movement in Poland was pivotal in the peaceful fall of communism in Eastern Europe. He canonized 482 saints and beatified 1,340 — more than all his predecessors combined. His Theology of the Body revolutionized Catholic understanding of human sexuality and marriage.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Miraculous healing of Sister Marie Simon-Pierre of Parkinson's disease after his death
- ✦Healing of Floribeth Mora of a fatal brain aneurysm through his intercession
Wisdom & Quotes
“Do not be afraid.”
“Have no fear of moving into the unknown.”
“Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.”
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.”
“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”