Topic summary
Early life of Pope John Paul II
Early life and church career
Papacy
Teachings and writings
Church governance
Political views and activity
Ecumenism and interfaith relations
Assassination attempts and health
Death, canonization, and legacy
The early life of Karol Józef Wojtyła, the future Pope John Paul II, covers the period in his life from his birth in 1920 to his ordination to the priesthood in 1946.