St John Paul IIThe Cardinals elected him Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years. Pope John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with atireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. Pope John Paul II, departed this world on April 2, 2005. On April 1, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI raised him to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 Pope Francis numbered him among the saints of the Church. Read More Read Less