Pope John Paul II the “Saint immediately” the Pope of records

Today we want to talk to you about some little-known traits of the life of John Palo II, the most charismatic and loved Pope in the world. Karol Wojtyla, known as John Paul II, did not develop a religious vocation from a young age. Only after the war, at the age of 26, did he decide to answer the call by becoming a priest. The love for this vocation came late, but it was intense and passionate.

His path to the papacy was rapid: a 38 years he became bishop, at 47 cardinal in his hometown, Krakow, and at 58 he became pope. He was the first pope of Slavic origin in history and the first not Italian after almost five centuries. John Paul II was an athletic pope, fond of sports such as skiing, swimming and canoeing.

He used to interact with young people and his speeches were able to gather crowds of believers. Since his first speech as pope, delivered on the evening of 16 October 1978, proved himself to be a leader who went against convention. He introduced himself as “a bishop called from a distant country” and asked the faithful to correct him if he made mistakes.

It was communicative and charismatic, so much so that he seemed to brandish his silver crosier like a sword. You have openly challenged infiltrated groups of Sandinistas in Managua in 1983. Even in the last years of his pontificate, despite his advanced age and precarious health conditions, John Paul II continued tofight for his faith. He reported i mafiosi in Agrigento with harsh words and invited everyone to repent in view of the day of Judgment.

John Paul II, the charismatic and communicative pontiff

His pontificate was the third longest pontificate in history, and it lasted a long time 27 years old, during which he traveled extensively. He used to say that “the poor don't travel” to justify his incessant wandering around the world as a shepherd of the global village. No other pope has traveled as much as he has or visited as many countries. He has consecrated numerous bishops and proclaimed manythe saints and blessed.

John Paul II was an influential pontiff like few others. He has defended freedom and individual and people's rights. He played a key role in spurring the downfall of the communist regimes in Europe Oriental. His moral leadership almost led to hers death, With the 'attempt of which it was victim in 1981.

This attack marked the beginning of a physical decline for him, with health problems that have accumulated over the years. Despite his condition, he remained center stage and continued to play an important role in the promote dialogue, especially in an era dominated by the threat of Islamic terrorism and the clash of civilizations.