Pope John Paul II was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. Born in Poland as Karol Wojtyła, he was the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years. He was known for his efforts to improve relations between different religions and for his strong stance against communism, which played a role in the fall of the Soviet Union. During his papacy, John Paul II traveled extensively, visiting over 120 countries and connecting with millions of people. He was a champion of human rights and emphasized the importance of love and compassion in his teachings. His legacy continues to influence the Catholic Church and the world today.