Pope John Paul II - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | May 18, 1920 |
|---|---|
| Age | 105 |
| Birthplace | Wadowice, Poland |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Chinese Zodiac | Monkey |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | Serving as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church (1978–2005), being a key figure in ending communism in Central and Eastern Europe, and promoting interfaith dialogue. |
Intro
Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 to 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and was recognized for his efforts to improve the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as his global influence and his pivotal role in ending communism in Central and Eastern Europe.
Early Life & Background
Karol Józef Wojtyła was born on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. He lost his mother at the age of eight, his brother at twelve, and his father at twenty. Wojtyła studied literature and philosophy at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, but his education was interrupted by the Nazi occupation of Poland during World War II, during which he worked in a quarry and a chemical factory.
Career Highlights
- Elected Pope on 16 October 1978, becoming the first non-Italian pope in more than four centuries.
- Played a significant role in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, particularly in his native Poland.
- Improved relations between the Catholic Church and other religions, including Judaism, Islam, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Canonized as a saint in 2014.
Trivia
- He survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter's Square in 1981.
- He was fluent in multiple languages, including Polish, Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin.
- He traveled to 129 countries during his papacy, making him one of the most traveled world leaders in history.
FAQs
People also ask
How old is Pope John Paul II?
Pope John Paul II is 105 years old.
When was Pope John Paul II born?
Pope John Paul II was born the 18 May 1920.
Where is Pope John Paul II from?
Wadowice, Poland.
On His Birth-Day
About May 18th, 1920, in brief:
- Historical events: Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland. He would go on to have a remarkable ecclesiastical career, becoming an ordained priest in 1946, auxiliary bishop of Kraków in 1958, cardinal in 1967, and ultimately Pope John Paul II in 1978. As Pope, he was known for his significant global influence, promoting interfaith dialogue, human rights, and playing a crucial role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
- Day of the week: May 18th, 1920 was a Tuesday
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus (in western zodiac), Monkey (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: New Moon
- #1 US song: Your Eyes Have Told Me So by John McCormack
- Popular movie: Down on the Farm directed by Ray Grey, F. Richard Jones, Erle C. Kenton
Check the link for more news and curiosities on May 18th, 1920.