HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetterJanuary 17, 2006
Re: Co -Designation of NW 2nd Avenue
From NW 73'dStreet to NW 77 Street
Pope John Paul II
Name & Dates: The birth name of Pope John Paul II is Karol Jozef Wojtyla. He was born
May 18, 1920 at Wadowice, Poland. He died April 2, 2005 at Vatican City.
Childhood & Education: Growing up, he was a great student and very athletic. He liked
to play soccer, backpack, hike, and he wanted to have a career in theater. In 1942, he
thought he might want a career in the religious life. In 1946, he was ordained a priest.
Religious Life: When he was 58, he became the Catholic Pope John Paul II. It was on
October 16, 1978. He was the first Polish pope and also the first non -Italian pope since
Pope Adrian VI in 1522.
Languages: Pope John Paul II can speak eight languages. He learned Spanish after
becoming the Pope. He also travelled more than any Pope in history.
Assassination Attempt: In 1981, there was an assassination attempt on the Pope. He was
shot, but he recovered. In 1983, he had a private meeting with the man who shot him.
More Information: Pope John Paul II didn't have a very happy childhood. Many of his
family members died when he was a young boy.
As a child and as he grew, he had a love for athletic activities and theater. His father had
a dream that his son would be a Pope. Eighteen months after his father died, Karol Jozef
entered school to become a priest.
In October 1978, Karol Jozef became Pope John Paul II. He is very well known for his
stance on abortion, life issues, and human rights. Many country leaders have sought his
advice and guidance.
In 1994, Time Magazine named him the Man of the Year. He has authored several books.
One of his books, "Crossing the Threshold of Hope," is a best seller.
The Pope has travelled more than any Pope in history. He has also canonized more saints
than any other Pope. Within the last few years, he has added the Luminous mysteries, a
series of meditations, to the Rosary.
In the 1990s, it was discovered that Pope John Paul II has Parkinson's disease. Despite
this, he has continued to serve Catholics worldwide and has remained a very active head
of Roman Catholicism. He died April 2, 2005 from septic shock and heart failure.
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