Books by John Paul

Karol Jozef Wojtyla, known as John Paul II since his October 1978 election to the papacy. John Paul II was one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. He is recognised as helping to end Communist rule in his native Poland and eventually all of Europe. John Paul II significantly improved the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. He is known for his implementation of several papal documents pertaining to the role of the Church in the modern world. John Paul II's cause for canonisation commenced in 2005 shortly after his death with the traditional five year waiting period waivered. His canonization as Saint: on 27 April 2014