April 8, 2005
Pope John Paul II Laid to Rest at Vatican
Millions of pilgrims joined Roman Catholic Church leaders, kings, princes and heads of state to honor the life of Pope John Paul II in one of the largest funerals in modern history. Theologians and historians discuss Friday's ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

April 4, 2005
Update: Mourners gather to view the pope as cardinals converged on Rome for the conclave in which they will choose his successor.

April 3, 2005
Update: Pope John Paul II's body, clad in crimson vestments, lay in state at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace in Rome Sunday.

April 2, 2005
Update: Pope John Paul II, whose fragile health had deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, died Saturday at the Vatican.

The death of Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005 ended one of the longest tenures of any pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. A major international figure, John Paul also advocated a strict Church stance on issues such as birth control and divorce despite changing social times, and sent an unswerving message of peace to the world's conflict zones.

He was one of the most widely traveled popes, visiting more than 100 countries in his more than 25 years as pontiff. Millions came to see him celebrate Mass. His evangelical nature and ability to reach out to people -- he knew eight different languages -- were credited with helping the Catholic faith spread in much of the developing world.

Born Karol Wojtyla on May 18, 1920 to a retired army officer and a schoolteacher in Wadowice (near Krakow), Poland, he soon demonstrated abilities in sports such as soccer, skiing and kayaking, and an affinity for religion and the theater.

Main: Pope John Paul II
Biography Page

NewsHour Coverage:
Analysis: Former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski discusses the pope's impact on international events. (4/5/05)

Analysis: Three guests discuss the pontiff's reach in America. (4/4/05)

Analysis: Two theologians reflect on how Pope John Paul II reshaped the Catholic Church and affected much of the world. (4/1/05)

Also on PBS:
The Life and Legacy
of Pope John Paul II

John Paul II: The Millennial Pope