Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyla, served as the Pope from 1978 to 2005. His papacy was one of the longest in history and was characterized by his efforts to improve relations with other religions, his role in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, and his emphasis on social justice and human rights. John Paul II's influence extended globally, making him one of the most prominent religious leaders of the 20th century.
"The United Nations organization has proclaimed 1979 as the Year of the Child. Are the children to receive the arms race from us as a necessary inheritance?"
"Pervading nationalism imposes its dominion on man today in many different forms and with an aggressiveness that spares no one. The challenge that is already with us is the temptation to accept as true freedom what in reality is only a new form of slavery."
"Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes."
"You will reciprocally promise love, loyalty and matrimonial honesty. We only want for you this day that these words constitute the principle of your entire life and that with the help of divine grace you will observe these solemn vows that today, before God, you formulate."
"Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence."
"The historical experience of socialist countries has sadly demonstrated that collectivism does not do away with alienation but rather increases it, adding to it a lack of basic necessities and economic inefficiency."
"Young people are threatened... by the evil use of advertising techniques that stimulate the natural inclination to avoid hard work by promising the immediate satisfaction of every desire."
"Wars generally do not resolve the problems for which they are fought and therefore... prove ultimately futile."
"You are priests, not social or political leaders. Let us not be under the illusion that we are serving the Gospel through an exaggerated interest in the wide field of temporal problems."