'Be Not Afraid:' 45 Years Since the Election of John Paul II | The First Moments of His Papacy

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican On October 16, 1978, 45 years ago, the world witnessed the emergence of a remarkable leader. White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, and Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, under the name John Paul II, became the 264th Pope. This event marked the beginning of one of the longest and most influential papacies in the history of the Church. Discover the inspiring journey of Pope John Paul II, from his humble beginnings in Wadowice, Poland, to his tireless efforts as Pope. His deep commitment to freedom and human flourishing was evident when he visited the United Nations and delivered a profound speech. John Paul II's papacy was marked by his unwavering missionary spirit, as he made countless pastoral visits worldwide. He established World Youth Days, initiated the World Meetings of Families, and encouraged young people to open their hearts to Christ. Under his leadership, the Church witnessed a surge in beatifications, canonizations, and the expansion of the College of Cardinals. Pope John Paul II promulgated essential documents and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The great Pope's journey on this Earth ended on April 2, 2005, but his legacy lives on. 👥 Follow us on our social networks:   Instagram:   /     X:   / ewtnvatican   Facebook:   / ewtnvatican    💻 And you can also visit our website: https://www.ewtnvatican.com/