Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece.
John Paul II (1920–2005) served as pope of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City from 1978 until his death almost 27 years later. Born Karol Wojtyła in the Polish town of Wadowice, he served as archbishop of Kraków before becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first pope of Slavic origin. He was one of the longest-serving popes and one of the most-travelled world leaders in history. (source)
Originally published on The Minot Voice: April 3, 2015