On October 16, 1978, the world stopped when Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope and assumed the name John Paul II. This event changed not only the history of the Church, but also of Eastern Europe.
Exceptional choice – how John Paul II was pontificated
In October 1978, after the sudden death of John Paul I, 111 cardinals gathered for a conclave in the Sistine Chapel. Among the favourites were the Italians, but it was the Kraków metropolitan, Cardinal Wojtyła, who gained recognition from many clergymen thanks to his openness and energy. On the second day of the vote, on 16 October, he received 99 out of 111 votes. At 6:18 p.m., white smoke rose over the Sistine Chapel, and the world heard "Habemus Papam! "
A new era for the Church and Eastern Europe
The election of Charles Wojtyla as Pope was groundbreaking: for the first time in over 400 years, a clergyman from outside Italy became bishop of Rome. World media wrote that the Church opens to the world behind the Iron Curtain. The Pope from Poland hoped for dialogue, agreement and struggle for religious freedom and human rights in the communist bloc.
A pontificate that changed the fate of the world
John Paul II served for 26 years – one of the longest pontificates in history. During this time:
- made 104 foreign pilgrimages to 132 countries,
- appointed around 240 cardinals and 2.5 thousand bishops,
- He beatified 1,338 people, and 482 canonized,
- announced 14 encyclicals and was the inspiration for World Youth Days.
Impact on Poland and the world – not only the Church
During the difficult years of communism John Paul II became a moral authority, inspiring millions of people to fight for freedom and solidarity. His first words – "Do not be afraid!" became a motto of change that changed the face of Europe. He was the initiator of dialogue between nations, religion and politics. His visits to Poland strengthened the national identity and supported the emerging "Solidarity".
Unknown facts of choice
Key events of October 16, 1978
| Date and time | Event |
|---|---|
| 16.10.1978, 18:18 | White smoke over the Sistine Chapel |
| 16.10.1978, 18:44 | Official announcement of the Pope's election |
| 16.10.1978, 19:20 | John Paul II appears in the Lodge of Blessings |
Why is John Paul II still inspiring?
John Paul II remains a moral authority today. His teaching, message of peace and openness to the needs of another man is valid regardless of time and place. The Polish Pope has proved that the history of the world can be pushed in the right direction by the strength of words, courage and faith.
What did the words "Do not be afraid" mean for Poles?
This is not only a religious motto – in the 1970s and 1980s PRL it gave the courage of ordinary people to go beyond fear and doubt.These words combined hope and showed that even from behind the iron curtain can affect the future of the entire continent.
47 years after the election of Karol Wojtyła as Pope John Paul II still inspires respect and remains a symbol of freedom and hope for millions of people in the world.
