Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II was said to be the most recognized person in the world. He was the most traveled Pope in the 2,000 year history of the Church.

Born Karol Joseph Wojtyla in Poland, he was elected in 1978 to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first non-italian chosen as Pope in 456 years.

Voicing a strong moral vision, Pope John Paul II forged a legacy as one of the Catholic Church's most influential and controversial leaders. He was a profoundly conservative leader whose moral opinions alienated many, and whose centralizing instincts stifled the move toward a more open, democratic church ;
but supporters and critics alike agree on the immense significance of his 26-year papacy.