Saint John Paul II.
© JPMT-Centre
In 1978 John Paul II becomes successor oft the suddenly diecased Pope John Paul I. In his first speech to the believers, he starts with the words „Non abbiate paura!“ – „Don’t be afraid!“
By choosing his name, he clarified that he wanted to continue the tradition of his predecessor Pope John Paul I.
The assassination attempt on the Pope on May 13 was an defining event of his pontificate. He attributed his survival and recovery to the Blessed Mother, under whose protection he also placed his pontificate.
One of his most important requests was religious freedom and the strengthening of interreligious dialogue between the world's religions.
Shortly after his death in 2005 the beatification process was opened, so that in 2011 the beatification took place.
In 2014 he was canonized by Pope Francis. His memorial day is the 22th Octobre, the day of his introduction into the pontificat.
Biography
Karol Józef Woytyła was born on May 18 in Wadowice, near Kraków
He finishes school and starts his studies in philisophy and polish literature
University of Kraków was closed from german army
He continues his studies in secret.
To avoid deportation he does forced labor in a quarry and a chemical industry
Beginning of studies at the illegal seminary in Kraków
Priestly ordination in secret
Beginning of doctoral studies in Rom
Completion of doctoral studies
Return to Poland
Work as a chaplain in student church of Kraków
Habilitation
He becomes Professor of Moral Theology and Social Ethics at the Great Seminary of Krakow and the Faculty of Theology of Lublin
On July 4 Woytyła is appointed titular bishop of Ombi and auxiliary bishop of Krakow by Pope Pius XII
On September 28 he is consecrated bishop
He was part of Vaticanum II
His focus were religious freedom and contemporary proclamation of church doctrine
Pope Paul VI appoints Woytyła as Archbishop of Krakow
Conferment of the cardinal dignity by Pope Paul VI
On October 16 Woytyła is elected pope
He calls himself John Paul II
On May 13 Pope John Paul II survives an assassination attempt
He attributes his salvation to Our Lady of Fatima, whose memorial day is May 13
Later he visits the assassin in prison and forgives him
Pope John Paul II receives the Karlspreis of the City of Aachen for his commitment to peace and the unification process in Europe.
On April 2 Pope John Paul II dies in the Apostiloc Palace
More than two million believers came to Rome to pay their last respects, including the highest representatives of the world's religions
In an accelerated procedure Pope John Paul II will be beatified by his successor Pope Benedict XVI on May 1
He was cononized by Pope Francis