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The Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul II
On July 5, 2013, Pope Francis approved John Paul for sainthood, saying that Pope John XXIII and John Paul II will be canonized together.
From Poland, John Paul’s longtime private secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, rejoiced at the news. “I thank God that I will live to see the elevation to sainthood the person who I served with love to the last beating of his heart,” he stated. Abraham Foxman, as director of the Jewish organization the Anti-Defamation League, received four audiences with Pope John Paul. He spoke for John Paul’s numerous supporters when he said, “For many of us Pope John Paul is already a saint, this just formalizes it.”
John Paul’s pontificate lasted nearly twenty-seven years, one of the longest in papal history. During that time he had an unprecedented amount of contact with the public, including Catholics, non-Catholics, and foreign leaders. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy, and 146 within. The Vatican estimates that more than 17.6 million pilgrims participated in his regular Wednesday general audiences alone. He made 38 official visits and met with government leaders on 984 different occasions.
From Poland, John Paul’s longtime private secretary, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, rejoiced at the news. “I thank God that I will live to see the elevation to sainthood the person who I served with love to the last beating of his heart,” he stated. Abraham Foxman, as director of the Jewish organization the Anti-Defamation League, received four audiences with Pope John Paul. He spoke for John Paul’s numerous supporters when he said, “For many of us Pope John Paul is already a saint, this just formalizes it.”
John Paul’s pontificate lasted nearly twenty-seven years, one of the longest in papal history. During that time he had an unprecedented amount of contact with the public, including Catholics, non-Catholics, and foreign leaders. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy, and 146 within. The Vatican estimates that more than 17.6 million pilgrims participated in his regular Wednesday general audiences alone. He made 38 official visits and met with government leaders on 984 different occasions.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 26, 2013
This is a good book to start you on your journey to learn about Blessed Pope John Paul II. You will met Karol Wojtila and learn about his early years in Poland. You will see a young boy growing up in the country, going to school and discovering he had a talent for languages, a love for poetry, music, and the theater. Karol will lose his mother, father and brother before the age of twenty. Even though his heart was grieving, he was alarmed at what happening to his home country because of the invasion of the Nazis and the Russians. Though Karol never claimed to help any Jews escape, he helped any Poles in anyway that he could. It was during this period that Karol heard God calling to him to become a shepherd to His people. Karol Wajtila became a priest.
This book guides you along Father Wajtila journey as a parish priest. His role in the reawakening of the Church during Vatican II and how he shaped some of those changes. His steady progression of advancement from parish priest, to archbishop, to cardinal, and then to his election to the Seat of Peter in 1978 after the untimely death of Pope John Paul I. What the author of the book called: The Year with Three Popes.
You will read about the legacy of Blessed Pope John Paul II: His papacy lasted 27 years, one of the longest in the history of the Church; the Vatican estimated that more than 17.6 million pilgrims participated in his general audiences; he made 38 official visits; met with government leaders on 984 different occasions; he had a great concern for the youth and started World Youth Days; he was a Marian Pope and was devoted to our Holy Mother and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit introduced a new set of Mysteries for the Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries; he established dialogues with the Jews, Buddhists, Anglicans, Eastern-Greek-Russian Orthodox Catholics .... and much more.
The book also touches upon the assassination attempt and the forgiveness the Holy Father gave to Mehmet Ali Agca.
You will learn he was human and he made mistakes, which the Church is still struggling with today. However, as a priest in my parish once said: The ship is divine, the crew is human. That is why we must always pray for the man who sits in the Chair of Peter.
Read this book and be touched. Be touched, again, by the gentleness and holiness of this man.
This book guides you along Father Wajtila journey as a parish priest. His role in the reawakening of the Church during Vatican II and how he shaped some of those changes. His steady progression of advancement from parish priest, to archbishop, to cardinal, and then to his election to the Seat of Peter in 1978 after the untimely death of Pope John Paul I. What the author of the book called: The Year with Three Popes.
You will read about the legacy of Blessed Pope John Paul II: His papacy lasted 27 years, one of the longest in the history of the Church; the Vatican estimated that more than 17.6 million pilgrims participated in his general audiences; he made 38 official visits; met with government leaders on 984 different occasions; he had a great concern for the youth and started World Youth Days; he was a Marian Pope and was devoted to our Holy Mother and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit introduced a new set of Mysteries for the Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries; he established dialogues with the Jews, Buddhists, Anglicans, Eastern-Greek-Russian Orthodox Catholics .... and much more.
The book also touches upon the assassination attempt and the forgiveness the Holy Father gave to Mehmet Ali Agca.
You will learn he was human and he made mistakes, which the Church is still struggling with today. However, as a priest in my parish once said: The ship is divine, the crew is human. That is why we must always pray for the man who sits in the Chair of Peter.
Read this book and be touched. Be touched, again, by the gentleness and holiness of this man.
February 21, 2015
This book provides a very useful perspective of the life and time around which Pope John Paul grew up; clearly depicting the experiences he endured through the difficulties of those times. While the book gives a summary view of his life, it packs an amazing perspective, by giving key details that really help one see how this man was shaped and formed through the environment in which he lived. Prior to reading the book I had a very superficial awareness of his life, not being a Catholic. This book ushered me into a better understanding of the challenges he faced and worked through, all which formed him into the man who became, the unquestioned leader of the Catholic church, and the Christian world in general, for twenty-five years. The last chapter, the Pope and the Rosary, felt a little out of place with the unfolding of the previous chapters; yet, the author calls attention to a 2002 Apostolic Letter which he wrote that provides a spring board for the inclusion of this last chapter. I recommend this book for all to read, regardless of Christian association; one walks away after completing the book with a deep appreciation for how his life had profound impact on the nations globally and specifically on the Christian world.
October 17, 2013
I was able to download this book for free, and found it to be a nicely balanced look at the life of Pope John Paul II. This biography covers his early years as a child in Poland all the way through to the day of his death. John Paul II was an advocate for those who were oppressed by Communism, and worked hard to find ways to involve the young in the church. He reached out to other religions more than most of his recent predecessors. However, he was not perfect, one of the biggest scars on his papacy was his handling (or lack thereof) in the sex abuse scandals that are still plaguing Catholic parishes throughout the world. This is addressed, as is his (in my opinion) unfortunate view towards women - not worthy of priesthood, but relegated to lesser rolls. In his defense, he felt these rolls were just as important, that is my personal opinion, and one of my issues with the Church.
This is not a deep, heavy read, but a light easy read that covers the whole of the life of a man who will be a saint in less than a year, and it covers a bit of the legacy he left behind as well.
This is not a deep, heavy read, but a light easy read that covers the whole of the life of a man who will be a saint in less than a year, and it covers a bit of the legacy he left behind as well.
July 30, 2013
When Karol Jozef Wojtyla was elected pope in 1978 he was the first non Italian pope in 455 years. When he died in April 2005 at the age of 84 he had been pope for 27 years. The Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul II starts with his life in Poland and continues with the many accomplishments of his papacy. Pope John Paul II had great devotion to the Virgin Mary and added the joyful mysteries to the rosary. On July 5 2013 Pope Francis announced that Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II will be canonized together although a date has not been given yet the feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8th has been suggested.
Thanks to Wyatt North for another great and highly recommended book.
Thanks to Wyatt North for another great and highly recommended book.
April 3, 2014
This was a nice read, a quick one too, on my Kindle. I picked it up in one of those Amazon sales, and I'm glad for it. It was a brief but informative look at the life of Pope John Paul II. I enjoy biographies in general, so it was nice to learn so many things about this man that I hadn't known. Much of this information may not be new to my Roman Catholic friends and family, but it was new to me. Like, I didn't know that Karol Wojtyla attended the same university as Nicholas Copernicus--not at the same time, of course!
For the time commitment this book would require, I'm not sure there is any reason someone shouldn't read it.
For the time commitment this book would require, I'm not sure there is any reason someone shouldn't read it.
April 15, 2014
30. The Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul II, Wyatt North. An honest interesting biography on the life if the pope soon to become an official saint of the Catholic Church. The author presents the outstanding and controversial aspects of the life a man who strive to walk the path he believes God has set before him. Very inspiring.
February 18, 2014
Great read about a great man
as a Catholic I recommend this book to any other person who is interested in the life of this great man. with so few people in our life that are worthy to look up to Pope John Paul II was the one person we should all try to emulate.
as a Catholic I recommend this book to any other person who is interested in the life of this great man. with so few people in our life that are worthy to look up to Pope John Paul II was the one person we should all try to emulate.
November 20, 2014
I downloaded this ebook for free thru Bookbub. while I knew a lot about this Pope, there were some things about his early years I did not. The book is written more like a book report, and is a little choppy in parts. But it is reverent and full of facts about the very popular Pontiff.
May 27, 2024
This was a free Kindle read that has been on my reader for a number of years. It sounded interesting and it was.
Pope John Paul II is credited for many firsts, especially being the first non-Italian pope in centuries. He advocated for allowing women into more powerful roles in the church. But he drew a line at priesthood. He is also credited for bringing many religions together in dialogue and reconciliation of the Christian world. He issued apologies on behalf of the Catholic Church for wrongs against Jews and Muslims.
His downfall was his intentional ignoring of priest’s abuses of children. He chose to kick the issue down to underlings.
Canonized as a saint in 2014.
This was an interesting short read.
Pope John Paul II is credited for many firsts, especially being the first non-Italian pope in centuries. He advocated for allowing women into more powerful roles in the church. But he drew a line at priesthood. He is also credited for bringing many religions together in dialogue and reconciliation of the Christian world. He issued apologies on behalf of the Catholic Church for wrongs against Jews and Muslims.
His downfall was his intentional ignoring of priest’s abuses of children. He chose to kick the issue down to underlings.
Canonized as a saint in 2014.
This was an interesting short read.
May 13, 2014
I read this on the plane on the way to the canonizations - great to get more info on my favorite saint! Quick and easy read.
July 18, 2022
Karol Wojtila became the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first Slavic pope in history. The year 1978 was the year of the three popes: Paul VI, John Paul I (only thirty-three days as pope), and John Paul II. He would serve as supreme pontiff for an incredible twenty-seven years.
Karol was a master of languages, studying Latin, Greek, German, Polish, Russian, and French. Later, he learned Italian and English. As pope, John Paul was very effective because he spoke to people in their language, and his listeners responded to him. I thought this to be a balanced summary of John Paul's life. I always wondered why the question of priests abusing children suddenly came up while Benedict was pope. However, this book indicates that there were rumblings, but John Paul did not respond. The rumblings rose to shouts during Benedict's term, and he could no longer ignore the calls for attention.
This book is meaty without added fluff. I lived through John Paul's pontificate, but this story ties all the threads together to form one cohesive and fascinating story. This author shows Pope John Paul's strengths and weaknesses, showing the humanity of a unique person who happened to be pope.
Karol was a master of languages, studying Latin, Greek, German, Polish, Russian, and French. Later, he learned Italian and English. As pope, John Paul was very effective because he spoke to people in their language, and his listeners responded to him. I thought this to be a balanced summary of John Paul's life. I always wondered why the question of priests abusing children suddenly came up while Benedict was pope. However, this book indicates that there were rumblings, but John Paul did not respond. The rumblings rose to shouts during Benedict's term, and he could no longer ignore the calls for attention.
This book is meaty without added fluff. I lived through John Paul's pontificate, but this story ties all the threads together to form one cohesive and fascinating story. This author shows Pope John Paul's strengths and weaknesses, showing the humanity of a unique person who happened to be pope.
August 16, 2017
Excellent book outlining the life of a great man
The author has done job of writing about the life of a man that was a great diplomatic as well as a great spiritual leader. The author described well his greatness and all his efforts in uniting the Catholic Church. He also did a great job of recording Pope John Paul II efforts in trying to unite all religious and promote worldwide peace.
The author has done job of writing about the life of a man that was a great diplomatic as well as a great spiritual leader. The author described well his greatness and all his efforts in uniting the Catholic Church. He also did a great job of recording Pope John Paul II efforts in trying to unite all religious and promote worldwide peace.
July 27, 2021
I liked the book. I’ve always considered him my Pope. The story of his early life is very interesting. I had net heard anything about his early life so I was glad to read about it. He was a good man and an excellent Priest/Pope.
February 27, 2018
Concise biography
It was concisely written and a good read for someone who knows nothing of the life of JPII. Much in this book I had read before.
It was concisely written and a good read for someone who knows nothing of the life of JPII. Much in this book I had read before.
May 5, 2019
Okay for what it was. Which was a v brief bio of this here pope. It wants me to now pray the rosary, but I'll pass. JPII was an okay guy. I'm okay with him being sainted because hey man whatever.
August 9, 2020
A wonderful view of a life worth knowing.
September 23, 2020
I am inspired by Pope John Paul II and really have no words that I can express.
March 10, 2021
A wonderful book about a wonderful man
October 9, 2016
A BEAUTIFUL STORY
aT his was a fascinating story about a saintly man who worked diligently to unite religions. Even when he was so ill, he still strived for unification of all religions. He certainly was a wonderful example of holiness. He left a wonderful legacy to the church.
aT his was a fascinating story about a saintly man who worked diligently to unite religions. Even when he was so ill, he still strived for unification of all religions. He certainly was a wonderful example of holiness. He left a wonderful legacy to the church.
July 20, 2015
Books are mainly read for two reasons; for entertainment and for information. This narrative accomplishes both. After the death of Pope Paul VI, Cardinal Albino Luciani of Venice was elected pope. He choose the names of his two predecessors Pope John XIII and Pope Paul VI, becoming Pope John Paul I. Unfortunately his time on this earth was very limited; thirty-three days to be exact. Once again the cardinals gathered to choose a new pope. Eventually Cardinal Karol Jozef Wojtila of Krakow was elected. He was the first non-Italian pope to be elected in 455 years and the first Slavic pope ever. Like his predecessor he chooses the same names, becoming Pope John Paul II. Born in Poland on May 18, 1920 he grew up in a time when Europe was (and especially Poland) was torn by war.
Much has been written and said about the Nazi persecution of Jews, Gypsies and anyone deemed either unfit or unworthy but very little is said about the Catholic Church. I was mildly surprised at the German’s treatment of the Polish Catholic population. The dangers, degradations and degeneracy’s of Catholics rivaled that of the other persecuted minorities.
Pope John Paul was pope for almost twenty-seven years, making him one of the longest serving popes in history. In that time he served as an innovator, reformer and inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Like “perestroika” introduced by President Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope Paul II addressed many issues and pulled the church out of a cloak of secrecy and into the light and public scrutiny. Both highly intelligent and compassionate, he went a long way in rebuilding the church; its organization and imago.
You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy and appreciate this missive of faith.
Much has been written and said about the Nazi persecution of Jews, Gypsies and anyone deemed either unfit or unworthy but very little is said about the Catholic Church. I was mildly surprised at the German’s treatment of the Polish Catholic population. The dangers, degradations and degeneracy’s of Catholics rivaled that of the other persecuted minorities.
Pope John Paul was pope for almost twenty-seven years, making him one of the longest serving popes in history. In that time he served as an innovator, reformer and inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Like “perestroika” introduced by President Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope Paul II addressed many issues and pulled the church out of a cloak of secrecy and into the light and public scrutiny. Both highly intelligent and compassionate, he went a long way in rebuilding the church; its organization and imago.
You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy and appreciate this missive of faith.
February 9, 2017
The Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul 11
This was very interesting. He showed the good parts and some of the things the Holy Father could or should have done differently. Two of my son's saw him in Denver and I got to hold his hand when our Bishop was to become a Cardinal. It was . Amazing.
This was very interesting. He showed the good parts and some of the things the Holy Father could or should have done differently. Two of my son's saw him in Denver and I got to hold his hand when our Bishop was to become a Cardinal. It was . Amazing.
September 16, 2016
I thought that this book gave me an in-depth view of Pope John Paul II, a new view on Catholicism, and how the popes throughout history have handled tough situations. One thing that I thought could have been better, was the chapters itself could have been more in-depth, as it was not a hard book to read. What I liked the most though, was how it told about how John Paul II handled the clergy sex scandals in the church. I would have never thought this but most catholics think that was the biggest failure of his papacy. It gave me new insights to the Church, and John Paul II, how he's not one of the most perfect popes there has been. Overall, this book gave me a different perspective of the Catholic Church, and Pope John Paul II.
December 8, 2015
Highly recommended!
This is a well researched, well written biography. Most ebooks have a few errors, but this one is perfectly written without one blemish, typo, or spelling mistake.
This pope had a fascinating life and a memorable papacy. I'm not Catholic and didn't know much about this pope or his enthralling life. He may be canonized as early as tomorrow, December 8th.
I was especially impressed with John Paul II for his efforts to make common cause with Judaism and all Christian faiths. He was a true uniter, not a divider. He also stands out in history as a leader in the fight for human rights. Highly recommended!
This is a well researched, well written biography. Most ebooks have a few errors, but this one is perfectly written without one blemish, typo, or spelling mistake.
This pope had a fascinating life and a memorable papacy. I'm not Catholic and didn't know much about this pope or his enthralling life. He may be canonized as early as tomorrow, December 8th.
I was especially impressed with John Paul II for his efforts to make common cause with Judaism and all Christian faiths. He was a true uniter, not a divider. He also stands out in history as a leader in the fight for human rights. Highly recommended!
February 14, 2014
How disappointing!
How disappointing!
I wanted greater insight into this extraordinary man. What I got, however, was the pablum of what the man did, with very little attention to who he was, how he thought, how he evolved in his beliefs and understandings. The background of how he lived his daily life and how he developed as a person and as a religious man. I wanted a great deal more than I found in this book. This superficial dissertation came no where near what I had hoped to find.
How disappointing!
I wanted greater insight into this extraordinary man. What I got, however, was the pablum of what the man did, with very little attention to who he was, how he thought, how he evolved in his beliefs and understandings. The background of how he lived his daily life and how he developed as a person and as a religious man. I wanted a great deal more than I found in this book. This superficial dissertation came no where near what I had hoped to find.
July 10, 2015
Enlightening overview of Pope John Paul II, from his life as a child up until his death. I've learned many interesting tidbits about this great man's history and legacy. Unfortunately, while this book covers a wide variety of topics, it essentially detailed surface information as if you were reading a college essay. No chapter offers much depth on the subject that is covered and the formatting is a bit sporadic. I'd still recommend this for anyone seeking a quick factual look into Pope John Paul's life.
August 19, 2016
The author captures every aspect of his life in clear writing. He speaks of his young life in a Communist country, which would have such a great impact when he became a Pope. He was instrumental in the fall of Communism, the liberation of Poland, the fall of the Berlin Wall. He also made great efforts to unite all faiths, meeting with their top representatives. On the other hand, he refused to do anything against pedophile priests, a situation he was well aware of. I wonder if this latter fact deserves him to be a saint!
September 25, 2013
A review by Anthony T. Riggio of the "Life and Legacy of Pope John Paul II" by Wyatt North .
This was a thumbnail biography of Pope John Paul II. Only 146 pages . I read it in two sit downs, about three hours and found it to a brief and well written summary of this Popes life . I recommend it and I purchased the book in Kindle format .
Since it was such a superficial work , I gave it three stars but it certainly whetted my interest
This was a thumbnail biography of Pope John Paul II. Only 146 pages . I read it in two sit downs, about three hours and found it to a brief and well written summary of this Popes life . I recommend it and I purchased the book in Kindle format .
Since it was such a superficial work , I gave it three stars but it certainly whetted my interest
October 30, 2015
A not-uninteresting, slightly glorified summary of this Pope's main life events and deeds by an author who obviously loves and admires him.
Certainly not a bad book, but what I missed was a bit more - neutrality, shall we say, and a bit more depth, not just a string of dates and events? That said, I quite liked it and it certainly will give someone who has not delved into this topic a bit of an introduction.
Certainly not a bad book, but what I missed was a bit more - neutrality, shall we say, and a bit more depth, not just a string of dates and events? That said, I quite liked it and it certainly will give someone who has not delved into this topic a bit of an introduction.
April 28, 2014
Quick read. Interestingly enough I read it on the day John Paul II was made a saint! I actually have always admired JP2 and this was a good way to read more about his background and changes he made during his 28 years as a pope. Well-written and very informative. Next up is a book about Mother Teresa.
June 7, 2015
Hagiography
Unreal, pious account of his life and works. He was not a "gentle" Pope as portrayed, but a very conservative, authoritarian Pope whose signal accomplishment in the liberating of his native Poland is overshadowed by his refusal to acknowledge and address the epidemic pedophilia crisis in the Church.
Unreal, pious account of his life and works. He was not a "gentle" Pope as portrayed, but a very conservative, authoritarian Pope whose signal accomplishment in the liberating of his native Poland is overshadowed by his refusal to acknowledge and address the epidemic pedophilia crisis in the Church.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews