This lavishly illustrated book celebrates the remarkable life of Pope John Paul II the first non-Italian pontiff since 1523.From his birth in southern Poland in 1920 to the Jubilee Year celbrations of the year 2000 this engrossing book chronicles the life and achievements of Karol Wojtyla set against the world-changing events of the 20th century.Follow his decision to reject a promising acting career in favour of the priesthood his rise through the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church his opposition to the Polish communist regime and his election as Pope John Paul II. This compelling book is a respectful tribute to the Pope as a man of God and a courageous man of the people.