St. John Paul II

Saint John Paul II (feast day: Oct. 22) seems superhuman from even a quick glance at his life and the enormous contributions he made to the Church, to Poland, to Divine Mercy, and to the world. The reason for that is his fervent, persistent, mystical prayer life, which truly did make him superhuman.

From the archives: Our report from Rome at the canonization of St. Faustina, 25 years ago today. Also, Pope St. John Paul II's big surprise for Divine Mercy apostles on that same day!

It was 20 years ago this week that St. John Paul II died, on April 2, 2005. "I remember the way the world seemed to pause and catch its breath, the way that even non-Catholics knew and cared what was going on," says Chris Sparks.

In his tribute to St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) on her feast day, Sept. 5, Pope St. John Paul II described the key to her mission and inspiration.

Two of the greatest mercy saints in the Liturgy — St. Faustina (Oct. 5) and Pope St. John Paul II (Oct. 22), both patrons of the Marian Congregation — are connected in many ways. 

So many things and so much of life is acutely dangerous, tragedies like the war in Ukraine and the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. And yet, Chris Sparks notes, the whole of Scripture can be read as one, long ringing summons to move by faith beyond fear.