John Paul II, leader of the Catholic Church since October 1978, and one of the longest serving leaders of the Church in its history, passed away on April 2, 2005, at the age of 84. John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland, studied philosophy and literature in Krakow, and received a degree in 1948. He was ordained a priest in 1946 and named Bishop in 1958, and then in 1967 became Archbishop of Krakow. In 1978, he was elected Pope, only the second non-Italian to serve in the role since the 16th century. His papacy saw frequent global evangelism trips in over 120 countries, meeting with heads of state and Nobel Peace Prize laureates. John Paul II is remembered for his instrumental role in helping to bring down communism in Eastern Europe, his support for freedom and human rights, his clear and staunch commitment to truth, and his declarations on the sacredness of life, the family, and social justice. He wrote over 150 different documents throughout his tenure as Pope, and he was also the first pope to perform an ecumenical prayer service. John Paul II's legacy is remembered in part by his body of work as well as his passionate dedication to the spread of Catholic doctrine and his sincere sense of goodness. His death was felt by a world that had looked to him as a spiritual leader, and mourning was expressed both in public and private. John Paul II was predeceased by his parents, Karol and Emilia. He is survived by his spiritual and faithful congregation of disciples.