How Did John Paul II Change The World

If I could spend the afternoon with any historic or public figure it would be Karol Jozef Wojtyla, better known as Pope John Paul II or St. John Paul the Great. The change this man instigated in our world was profound. Not only was he a great man of God, he also remarkably changed the world’s view of the Catholic church, and the world itself.
St. John Paul was a man so filled with the holy spirit you would have to be inept not to recognize it. The love this man poured out for all those around him regardless of religion, nationality, state of living, or sex was incredible. The way St. John Paul chose to live his life is something we should all strive for. To follow the teachings of our Lord so closely and to be an example of a true disciple and saint.
St. John Paul also greatly changed the world’s view of the Catholic church. He further explained through many of his papal encyclicals, books, and teachings the true meaning behind the Catholic faith. Realigning the view that much of society held. His message was also one of universal love and acceptance. Not only did he proclaim such profound messages, he lived them, and spread them himself. St. John Paul is the most traveled Pope within history; a

living example of a true disciple of Christ spreading the gospel.
One of the most lasting impacts I believe this man has had is on the world itself, omitting his role within the Catholic church.

St. John Paul II believed that war was not inevitable, war itself is “always a defeat for humanity.” Therefore, he commonly addressed the issue of not only war itself, but many related topics. He helped bring to an end many dictatorships, and communism rules within Europe. As he traveled he spoke to many leaders and visited numerous countries. St. John Paul even visited countries that are historically known for being Lutheran. The message he preached was of love, acceptance, and service to one another. St. John Paul also spent time in many developing countries throughout his lifetime. Providing charity and to many people a message of

hope.
Truly one of the most momentous moments in his papal service to me was his apology. On behalf of the entire Catholic church he apologized for many of the wrong doings throughout history that the Catholic church had initiated. Any suffering caused to individuals or groups at the hands of the church he humbly apologized for.
I would love to spend an afternoon with this man for an insurmountable number of reasons. As a Catholic, I wish to thank him for what he has done for the church I am so admirably apart of. Those around me now further understand why I possess the faith I do and so strongly stand beside it; individually through his works I am able to further understand and fall in love with the faith I already have. The message of his life is one I long to possess, a life with a message of love, acceptance, service, and beneath it all a message of faith. Many fundamental principles common man believes are unreachable because of the society we live in today he lived. To be able to talk to a man so aligned with God, and so strong in his image would be humbling. To get even the slightest glimpse of how to be so strong, and live such an unbelievably wonderful life in today’s times would be life altering. The respect I have for this man is undeniable. I would also delight in hearing any stories he is willing to share. His experiences in this world would be incredible to hear about. The changes he has made, the people he has met, and the life he has lived. Any amount of time spent with this man would be irreplaceable for so many reasons. I strive to live a fraction of the way this man once did. The goal of our lives is to give it back to the one who created it. I couldn’t imagine anyone living this in a more exemplary way. This is why I wish to spend an afternoon with Saint John Paul the Great.