Author: Alison Behnke

Publisher: Lerner Publications Company 2006

Pages: 112

Description: Pope John Paul II was a symbol of faith and hope to millions. To others, he represented a belief system that they questioned. And as head to the Roman Catholic Church for the twenty-five years, he played a large role in religious, political and social matters.

Born in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Wojtyla encountered great sadness, beginning with his mother's early death. From the nightmare of World War III to the Polish struggle against Communism, he knew still more grief and hardship. But Karol found strength in his unwavering faith in God's power, humanity's fundamental goodness, and the absolute value of life. After becoming pope in 1978, John Paul 11 remained committed to these beliefs, which formed the basis of his positions on issues from birth control to human rights. Both beloved and controversial, he was a major figure of modern history. And upon his det I 2005, he left behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.