AD 1978–2005

John Paul II

One of the most consequential pontificates in modern history; critics note that responses to clerical abuse were inadequate during these years.

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Years served
AD 1978–2005
Biography
The first Polish pope and the first non-Italian in 455 years, he travelled to more than 120 countries, survived an assassination attempt in 1981, promulgated the Catechism and the revised Code of Canon Law, and supported Solidarity in Poland.
Historical context
The last decades of the Cold War and the collapse of communism in eastern Europe.
Major events
  • Code of Canon Law (1983) and Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992)
  • Assisi interreligious meetings and the Day of Pardon (2000)
  • Joint Declaration on Justification with Lutherans (1999)
Historical significance
One of the most consequential pontificates in modern history; critics note that responses to clerical abuse were inadequate during these years.

Sources and References