olish-born Karol Wojtyla became Pope in 1978, taking a conservative stand on issues like abortion and contraception.
I... know that it would be equally ridiculous to believe that it was the Pope who brought down communism with his own hands
Memory and Identity
Written by the Pope
He was the most widely travelled pontiff and visited more than 120 countries during his 26-year papacy. It nearly ended in 1981 when he was shot and seriously wounded as he toured St Peter's Square in Rome.
After a long period of recovery he visited and forgave the would-be assassin.
John Paul's reign saw radical changes in the world including the collapse of communism and the spread of Aids.
Although plagued by ill health throughout the latter part of his papacy he maintained his international schedule and in 2000 made a poignant pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Think about yor posts before you post them
RIP
pinky