October 22 is Pope John Paul II’s feast day.
Pope John Paul II, one of the most influential and beloved popes in recent history, left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the entire world. Born in Poland, his life was marked by faith, love, and commitment to human dignity. Throughout his papacy, from 1978 until he died in 2005, he promoted a message of hope, peace, and reconciliation in times of significant turbulence.
His legacy transcends borders and continues to inspire millions of faithful in their faith journey. In this article, we will explore the facts about Pope John Paul II’s life that few know, as well as his lasting impact on the Catholic community and the world.
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He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years! St. John Paul II was a man of great faith who inspires Catholics to imitate his devotion and faith every day.
This saint wrote poems and books that have helped many in their faith journey. My favorites are his books on love.
– Love and Responsibility, also known as “one of the best explanations of the Church’s teachings on human and conjugal love”.
– Theology of the Body, a book that highlights the redemption of Jesus for a union so vital to the good of humanity and the world.
Did you know this about Pope John Paul II?
In addition to being the author of poems and books, Pope John Paul II was characterized by other things:
1. Actor and writer: Before assuming the role of pope, Karol Wojtyła distinguished himself as a talented actor and writer. He wrote plays that touched on spiritual and philosophical themes, reflecting his deep faith.
2. Pioneer of inter-religious dialogue: In 1985, Pope John Paul II made history by becoming the first pope to visit a mosque, bringing peace and dialogue to the Great Mosque in Damascus, Syria.
3. Sports lover: Pope John Paul II was passionate about skiing and soccer. In his youth, he even played on an amateur soccer team in Poland, showing his love for sports and outdoor activities.
4. The traveling pope: Pope John Paul II made 104 international trips during his papacy, an unprecedented record. He visited more than 130 countries, taking his message of love and hope to corners of the world.
5. Polyglot skills: With an impressive command of several languages, including Polish, Italian, French, Spanish, English and German, Pope John Paul II was able to communicate directly with faithful from diverse cultures during his travels.
6. The pope of young people: In 1985, he instituted World Youth Day, an event that has brought together millions of young people in an encounter of faith, joy, and community in Christ.
7. Suffering and strength: Throughout his life, Pope John Paul II faced painful losses, such as the death of his mother and brother. He also survived an assassination attempt in 1981, which only strengthened his commitment to his pastoral mission.
8. Poet of the soul: Pope John Paul II was a great lover of poetry and wrote several poems that reflect his deep spirituality and love for God, touching the hearts of those who read them.
9. Historic canonization: In 2014, he was canonized with John XXIII in a ceremony that gathered over one million faithful in Rome, celebrating his legacy and his dedication to the Church.
10. A beacon of freedom: He is credited with playing a vital role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, where his support for the Solidarity movement inspired change and hope in his native country.
Prayer to Pope John Paul II
Let us pray together asking his intercession for all our fellow Catholics, so that we may be a united family in the love of God’s children:
O St. John Paul, from the window of Heaven give us your blessing!
Bless the Church, which you have loved, served, and guided, encouraging her to walk courageously along the paths of the world to bring Jesus to all and all to Jesus.
Bless the young, who have been your great passion. Grant them to dream again, to look up again to find the light that illuminates the paths of life on earth.
Bless the families, bless every family!
You warned Satan’s assault against this precious and indispensable spark of Heaven that God has kindled on earth. St. John Paul, with your prayer protect families and every life that springs forth in the family.
Pray for peace in the whole world, still marked by tensions, wars and injustices. You opposed war by invoking dialogue and sowing love: pray for us, that we may be tireless sowers of peace.
O St. John Paul, from the window of Heaven, where we see you with Mary, send down upon us all God’s blessing. Amen.
You can use the Catholic Mass Times app to find the nearest Catholic church with Mass, Confession, and Adoration schedules. It will surely help you! Download it now.
