Pope John Paul Ii

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, served as the head of the Catholic Church from October 16, 1978, until his death on April 2, 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the second-longest-serving pope in modern history. John Paul II is most recognized for his role in ending communism in Eastern Europe, particularly his support of the Solidarity movement in Poland. He also significantly contributed to improving the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. In 1981, he survived an assassination attempt by Mehmet Ali Ağca. John Paul II was canonized as a saint in 2014.