It was 40 years ago today: Catholics around the world unite to remember the 40th anniversary of JPII being elected Pope

History | Life

Kirstie Hardial / TFN October 16, 2018

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On this day in 1978, Karol Wojtyła (L) was made Pope John Paul II in front of St. Peter’s Basilica where the Primate of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński (R) paid homage.

Andrzej Kossobudzki Orłowski/PAP

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A year after being made Pope, JPII delivered a rousing speech at Victory Square in Warsaw during Holy Mass. The speech uplifted and motivated the polish people during the Soviet occupation.

Ireneusz Radkiewicz/PAP

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The Pope visited Poland three times, the third in 1979 in his famous Pope Mobile.

Tadeusz Zagoździński/PAP

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In August 1981 during a visit to Rome, Italy, Mehmet Ali Ağca tried assassinating the Pope, firing four shots into his chest.

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Later, the Pope met his would-be assassin to forgive him and asked people to pray for my brother [Ağca] ... whom I have sincerely forgiven. JPII kept in touch with the shooter’s family.

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A lover of mountains and walking, in 1989 the Pope took time to enjoy the tranquility of the Spanish countryside.

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Known for uniting different faith’s in 2000 John Paul II became the first Pope to step inside a synagogue since the times of Jesus. He also prayed before the Western Wall. He was also the first Pope to kiss a Koran, and step inside a mosque.

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On April 2nd 2005, the world woke to the news that the Pope had died. Crowds flooded the streets of to pay their respects. Here crowds gather at Warsaw’s Pilsudski Square.

Tomasz Gzell/PAP

TFN takes a look back at the Polish Pope from Wadowice who helped change the world and bring about the fall of communism.

Tags: Pope John Paul II, 40th Anniversary, Election

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