Pope John Paul II was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope since Adrian VI in the 16th century, as well as the third longest-serving pope in history, after St. Peter and Pius IX. In addition to this, he was an important philosopher and theologian of the 20th century.
- Occupation
- transitional deacon, Latin Catholic priest, latin catholic deacon, Catholic bishop
- Position held
- titular bishop, auxiliary bishop, titular bishop, Archbishop of Kraków
- Citizenship
- Poland, Vatican City, Second Polish Republic
- Born
- May 18, 1920
- Died
- April 2, 2005
