A biography of the Pope - arguably one of the most important world leaders of the 20th century. Born in a small village in southern Poland, he originally aspired to be a playwright. In World War II, he repeatedly escaped German round-ups of young men and continued writing and acting in the theatre. He rose to an influential role in the Church during the Cold War, becoming a key figure in the overthrow of communism. The author looks at how the Vatican has long been a prime covert operation on the international scene, yet while working to end communist tyranny, John Paul II colluded in protecting despotism in Latin America. This paradox of the man "closest to God" is explored.