Pope John Paul II

The world was stunned when Karol Wojtyla became the first non-Italian pope for 450 years. As Pope John Paul II he revolutionized the office, galvanizing the faithful, fighting totalitarianism and inspiring millions. In the process, he dismayed many with his autocratic style and inflexible stance on issues such as contraception and women priests. This book explores what it was that made John Paul such an important and divisive figure in late 20th century history. What were the forces that shaped his ideas and his attitudes? What clues can we find in his early life to help us understand this most contradictory of men? What gave him the strength to survive an assassination attempt and a very public battle with Parkinson's disease with his authority and – among many – his popularity undiminished. Almost a decade after his death, he continues to exert a powerful hold on his Church and many of its faithful.

Hugh Costello is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter and has written many dramas for BBC Radio, including Conclave, about the election of Pope John Paul II, and The Guest of St Peter’s, about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He has written and edited for many national newspapers and magazines, including BBC History Magazine, theSunday Times, the Daily Mail and Radio Times.