Pope John Paul II (18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005)

John Paul II has been widely acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the twentieth century.] It is widely agreed that he was instrumental in ending communism in his native Poland and eventually all of Central Europe, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe, as well as significantly improving the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion.

He was one of the most-travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate.  He was fluent in many languages: his native Polish as well as Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Croatian, Ancient Greek and Latin.  As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonized 483 Saints. 

John Paul II was a friend of the Eastern Churches, both those in communion, as well as those not in communion, with the Church of Rome.

Articles of Interest

External Articles

Vatican II's Decree on the Eastern Rite Orientalium Ecclesiarum: Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches 21 November 1965.  "The Catholic Church values highly the institutions of the eastern churches, their liturgical rites, ecclesiastical traditions and the ordering of Christian life." 

Pope John Paul II Reflects on Eastern Theology Eastern Theology has enriched the whole Church - August 11, 1996

Orientale Lumen "The light of the East has illumined the universal Church, from the moment when "a rising sun" appeared above us (Lk 1:78): Jesus Christ, our Lord, whom all Christians invoke as the Redeemer of man and the hope of the world." Apostolic Letter of John Paul II.

The Balamand Statement Uniatism and the present search for Full Communion.

The Revenna Document - Joint International Commission for the theological dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

 

---

Internal Articles

Introduction to the Church FathersThe Fathers may know best, but we still have to know how to approach them.  Find out how in this short introduction to the Church Fathers by Steve Pulka

Theosis What does it mean to be partakers of the Divine Nature?

Athanasius Who was this great defender of orthodoxy?  Find out here.  An article by Steve Puluka

Another Look at the Resurrection The Resurrection of Christ is the doctrine that separates Christianity from all other religions, but is it tenable?

Introduction to Icons A brief intro to Eastern Christian sacred art.

Top of page