Vatican City: The Vatican is preparing to celebrate the centenary of St. John Paul II, who led the church for nearly three decades. The official celebration of the Eucharist will be held on May 17, 2020, in the Vatican. Cardinal and Archbishops from around the world, including Archbishop Stanislav Chairperson of the Polish Catholic Bishops’ Council, will participate in the Divine Sacrifice with Pope Francis. Archbishop Stanislav said that although he was a Polish by birth, Saint John Paul II was the pope of the whole world.
Pope John Paul was born on May 18, 1920, in Vadowice, Poland, the son of Emilia and Carole Votieva. He was the third of three children. Since becoming the head of the global church, he has addressed millions of believers on missionary visits to Italy and around the world. He met countless government officials and people’s representatives from various countries. He has held 38 official visits, 738 general meetings with various heads of state, and 246 general meetings with prime ministers.
On April 2, 2005, Pope John Paul II said goodbye to the world at his official residence. The funeral service was held at St. Peter’s Square on April 8 and the burial was at St. Peter’s Basilica. On 1 May 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared him the “Most Blessed”. On April 27, 2014, Pope Francis was elevated to the status of Pope John Paul II.
