May 13, 1981. St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City was bathed in light, the air buzzing with anticipation as Pope John Paul II moved through the crowd in his open vehicle, smiling and blessing. Then—gunshots. In an instant, the serenity shattered. The Pope slumped into his seat, wounded by four bullets fired at close range. …
Pope John Paul II passed away on April 2, 2005, marking the end of one of the most influential papacies in history. His time as the leader of the Catholic Church spanned over 26 years, during which he shaped global politics, inspired millions, and redefined the role of the papacy in the modern world. Born …
