Pope John Paul II's Impact On The Catholic Church

In the study of history, it is important to recognize people who have paved the way for growth and change in society. Throughout the 20th century, there have been numerous individuals who have helped to shape Western civilization. Pope John Paul II, one of the greatest Popes in the history of the Catholic Church, is a notable example of an individual who has made a profound impact on the world. Through his international success, Pope John Paul II played a vital role in uniting the Catholic church and strengthening Catholic ties with other faiths, putting an end to communism and stopping various dictatorships. Because of these courageous actions, Pope John Paul II has left a lasting legacy on the modern world. During his papacy, Pope John Paul II was an integral figure in the church as he helped to reestablish, strengthen and unite …show more content…
The quotation above specifically alludes to the unfair treatment of Haitian citizens by government officials and the pain and suffering they experienced. This statement was especially impactful due to the fact that Pope John Paul II criticised both Jean-Claude Duvalier and his wife in front of a large crowd of Haitian people. Prior to leaving Haiti, Pope John Paul II left citizens with a final message calling for social reform in the country, "Lift up your heads, be conscious of your dignity of men created in God's image...." (Pope John Paul II, 1983). Not only did this message motivate Haitians to create change in their country, but it ultimately inspired an uprising which resulted in the overthrow of Duvalier in 1986. Another prominent dictatorship that Pope John Paul II put an end to was that of Chilean military ruler Augusto Pinochet. He was praised by many for his courageous stance against Pinochet’s authority, including Bishop Carlos Camus, a well-known critic of Pinochet’s