Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, was elected as the 264th pope on October 16, 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. His papacy, lasting nearly 27 years, was marked by extensive travel, interfaith dialogue, and a strong stance against communism, notably influencing the fall of the Iron Curtain. He was instrumental in the Second Vatican Council's implementation and was a prolific writer, authoring numerous encyclicals and books.

Pope John Paul II was beatified on May 1, 2011, and canonized on April 27, 2014. His feast day is celebrated on October 22, the anniversary of his papal inauguration.

Pope Benedict XVI, during the canonization ceremony, stated, "The Church has recognized in him a model of holiness and a witness to the hope that does not disappoint."