Courage, Change, & the Modern Papacy

S1, E6: Pope John Paul II is the world's first "famous" Pope. He comes into power during the height of the Cold War and serves for nearly three decades, the second longest term in papal history. Having come of age during the Nazi invasion of his native Poland, and keenly aware of the shortcomings of the Vatican during World War II, John Paul II immerses the religious office into global affairs. He works tirelessly alongside world leaders in an effort to destroy communism, and in the process, becomes an international icon for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His reign represents the birth of the papacy as we know it today. JPII showed the world how a man of devout faith, and immeasurable power, can re-imagine an ancient institution in contemporary times, a tradition that continues with the reform of Pope Francis.