John paul biography for kids

Pope John Paul II is the first Polish pope and the first non-Italian pope since the 16th century. Born Karol Josef Wojtyla on May 18, 1920, to a Polish army officer in Wadowice in Poland, John Paul II attended an underground seminary during the World War II German occupation and was ordained a priest in 1946.

After studying in Rome and at the University of Krakow, he was appointed professor of ethics at the University of Lublin in 1956.

Pope john paul biography

Here, he published the first of many articles and books on philosophical and theological themes. Consecrated bishop in 1958, he served first as auxiliary bishop of Krakow and in 1964 became archbishop of Krakow. He was made a cardinal in 1967 and was elected pope on October 16, 1978, succeeding John Paul I.

During his pontificate he has traveled more extensively than any of his predecessors, preaching to millions of people on six continents and in more than 50 nations.

John Paul II’s pontificate has revealed two principal g