Religious Leaders born on May 18

Take a focused look at the religious leaders born on May 18. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1920 Pope John Paul II

  Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was the head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 to 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and was recognized for his efforts to improve the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as his … [bio]