On 27 April 2014 His Holiness Pope Francis will proclaim John Paul II a saint. To commemorate the event, Vatican and Poland are launching a joint stamp issue.
Blessed Karol Jozef Wojtyla was the pope who guided the Church into the new millennium. He is considered one of the most important and influential popes in modern history not only by the Church but the entire world. A few of the more prominent characteristics which sum up his extraordinary pontificate include: his apostolic journeys around the world; dialogue with other Christian denominations; constant defense of moral values, life and the family; his close rapport with people and especially the youth, the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and the spirit with which he faced illness, especially during his final days.
