Emilia Anne Wojtyła (1884–1929) was the mother of Pope Saint John Paul II and played a formative role in his early life. Born in Kraków, Poland, she married Karol Wojtyła Sr., a military officer, and together they raised a devout Catholic family. Emilia was known for her deep faith, resilience, and devotion to her children, particularly to her youngest son, Karol, who would later become pope. Despite facing financial hardships and health struggles, she instilled in him a strong spiritual foundation and a love for prayer.

During her pregnancy with Karol, doctors advised Emilia to have an abortion due to health risks, but she refused, choosing to trust in God’s plan. She suffered from poor health for much of her life and passed away when Karol was just eight years old. Her death deeply affected him, but her example of faith and sacrifice remained with him throughout his life and priesthood.

Emilia’s legacy endures through the life and teachings of her son, Pope John Paul II, who credited his mother’s faith and love as essential influences on his spiritual formation. In 2020, her cause for beatification was opened.