John Paul II

John Paul II (1920–2005) — Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century. His pontificate was marked by active promotion of interreligious dialogue, the defense of human dignity and freedom, and a major contribution to the spiritual unity of Europe. He was the author of numerous encyclicals and apostolic letters, including Egregiae Virtutis, by which he proclaimed Saints Cyril and Methodius Co-Patrons of Europe.