Born in Poland in 1920, Pope John Paul II lived through some of the darkest moments in modern history. He witnessed the horrors of World War II, the occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany, and later the oppression of Communism. Yet through all the suffering surrounding him, he never lost faith in Christ. As a young man, Karol Wojtyła secretly studied for the priesthood while the Nazis attempted to destroy the Church in Poland. Becoming a priest during that time was dangerous, but he believed God was calling him to serve no matter the cost. Years later, on October 16, 1978, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła was elected pope, becoming the first non-Italian pope in more than four centuries. He took the name John Paul II. From the very beginning of his papacy, he called the world to courage with the words: “Be not afraid.” Those words would define his life. John Paul II traveled across the globe preaching the Gospel fearlessly. He defended the dignity of every human life, encouraged young Catholics to live boldly for Christ, and reminded the modern world that true freedom can only be found in God. In 1981, tragedy struck when he was shot in St. Peter’s Square during an assassination attempt. The world feared the pope would die. But after surviving, John Paul II did something extraordinary: he personally forgave the man who shot him. It became one of the greatest examples of Christian mercy seen in modern times. John Paul II also had a deep devotion to Divine Mercy. He canonized Saint Faustina Kowalska and established Divine Mercy Sunday for the entire Church, believing the modern world desperately needed God’s mercy. As he grew older, illness weakened his body, yet he continued leading the Church faithfully. Millions watched him suffer publicly with dignity and perseverance, carrying his cross until the very end. When he died on April 2, 2005, crowds filled St. Peter’s Square crying: “Santo Subito!” — “Saint Now!” In 2014, the Church canonized him as Saint John Paul II.Today, he remains one of the most beloved popes in history remembered for his courage, holiness, mercy, and unwavering love for Christ. Pope Saint John Paul the Great, Ora Pro Nobis.