As spiritual leader of nearly a billion Catholics, and head of the oldest universal organization, Pope John Paul II wields enormous international power and influence. Yet he is a mystery - intellectually, theologically and politically. His intellectual achievements and erudition render his inexorably conservative posture on issues such as contraception and the all-male priesthood hard to comprehend when contrasted with his dedication to social justice in the Third World and among the poor and the affluent West. This biography is based on access to the Pope's papers, friends, colleagues, and John Paul himself. It includes coverage of the drama of his secret involvement in the developing relationship between the Vatican and Israel, and the story of his election as Pope, revealed by Cardinals who were present.