Happy Birthday St. John Paul II!

For more on Saint John Paul II's origins, consider visiting our permanent exhibit, A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II.

On this day in 1920, our beloved Saint John Paul II was born. Named Karol Józef Wojtyła after his father, this young babe grew into one of the greatest saints of our time.

As pilgrims to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine know, little Karol’s childhood was marked by great suffering. Yet, he never forgot his origin in the love of his parents and in the love of God.

Let us praise the Father for this day in history—who knows where the Church would be without it!

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!