Political Quotes

“Today Pope John Paul II and billions of faithful around the world celebrate the 25th anniversary of his election in 1978 to the papacy. Born Karol Wojtyla on May 18, 1920 in Poland, John Paul II is the first non-Italian pope in 380 years. He has profoundly shaped the modern church and advanced its spiritual and moral influence across the globe. A poet, a playwright and a philosopher, Pope John Paul II has been an indefatigable champion of the poor and dispossessed. In his 25 years of service to the church, he has also traveled more extensively than any pope before him. His historic trip to Poland in 1979 catalyzed the Solidarity Movement and led to the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Empire. He is also the only pope ever to have visited a mosque or a synagogue. Those who have studied the Pope's writings and biography say that the Pope was profoundly shaped by his early encounter with death and suffering.”