Saint John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła in 1920, was the first Polish pope and served from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was known for his efforts to improve relations between the Catholic Church and other religions, as well as his role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland. During his papacy, he traveled extensively, visiting over 120 countries and addressing global issues such as poverty, human rights, and the importance of family. His teachings emphasized the dignity of the human person and the value of life, making a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world.