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Pope John Paul II

by Sandra from Cedar Grove

Novalis, a German poet and novelist, once said, “A hero is someone who knows how to hang on one minute longer.” A person who is extraordinary and is willing to go an extra step to achieve a deed is considered a hero. He/she is committed to their goal and believes in their values. A description of a hero is bold, humble, and selfless. John Paul II is considered a hero to Poland because he was the first Polish Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.


Pope John Paul II was born in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920. His birth name was Karol Wojtyla. In 1938 he entered Jagiellonian University where he studied literature and philology poetry. Karol wrote poetry and acted in a theater group. He also belonged to an underground theatrical group where he performed anti-Nazi plays. After attending the University, he started studying for the priesthood. In 1958 he was named the youngest Polish bishop in Kraków. After nine years as bishop, he became Cardinal in 1967. Throughout his years, he learned six languages fluently. Finally, on October 16, 1978, when he was only 58, he became the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Throughout his years as a Pope, his love for children increased. John Paul II hiked and camped with children of all ages during his early years as Pope. He loved children so much that he established World Youth Day in 1984. Pope John Paul II created this day because he wanted to show young people that he cared about them and that he loves them forever. Whenever he got together with children, they would chant, “JP Two, We Love You!” and he would reply, “No. JP Two, He Loves YOU!” To this day he is known for his love of children.

John Paul II is considered a hero because he possessed the qualities of being forgiving, a communicator, and loving. He was forgiving because on one of his visits he was shot in his shoulder by a man named Mehmet Ali Agca. When John Paul II got out of the hospital, he went to the jail and forgave Mehmet for shooting him. That was the most forgiving act anyone could ever do. Also, he was a communicator because he was the most well-known Pope. He accomplished visiting 120 countries which is the distance of going about 30 times around the world! Last, but not least, Pope John Paul was loving. It didn’t matter to him if you were small or big, he loved you for who you were. I really wish that I had had the chance to meet him. I know that when I grow up I want to be just like him-loving, forgiving, and a good communicator!

In conclusion, a hero is bold, humble, and selfless. Heroes commit to their goals and are willing to take an extra step to achieve them. Pope John Paul II was a Pope and my hero from Poland. He possessed the quality of being humble, and he possessed many other important traits. Pope John Paul II is a great hero to all people around the world and I hope that someday I can be just like him!

Page created on 7/5/2006 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 7/5/2006 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Pope John Paul II - Biography from Wikipedia