Bosnia year 2003 stamps Pope John Paul II, Religion MNH

Bosnia year 2003 stamps Pope John Paul II, Religion ☀ MNH**

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was born on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, and was elected as Pope on October 16, 1978, becoming the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Following the death of Pope John Paul I in 1978, Cardinal Wojtyła was elected as Pope by the College of Cardinals. He took the regnal name John Paul II in honor of his predecessor and became the first non-Italian Pope in over 450 years and the youngest Pope in modern history at the age of 58. Pope John Paul II had a significant impact on the Catholic Church and global affairs during his papacy. He traveled extensively, visiting over 129 countries, and was known as the “Pilgrim Pope.” He played a key role in promoting interfaith dialogue, peace, and reconciliation, as well as advocating for human rights and social justice. Pope John Paul II served as Pope for over 26 years, making him one of the longest-reigning popes in history. His health declined in his later years, and he died on April 2, 2005, at the age of 84. He was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI.