Pope John Paul III is a fictional character, as there has never been a pope by that name. The most recent pope before him was Pope John Paul II, who served from 1978 to 2005 and was known for his efforts in promoting peace and interfaith dialogue. The papacy is a significant position in the Roman Catholic Church, and each pope plays a crucial role in guiding the church's teachings and addressing global issues. The current pope, as of October 2023, is Pope Francis, who succeeded Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.