John Paul II has been called one of the most beloved men of the century.  In a world that often views history as a product of impersonal economic and political forces, he offered hope for humanity's future.

Through vivid accounts accompanied by more than 400 photographs, this revealing biography presents an intimate portrait of John Paul II - the man, the disciple, the world leader.

You'll discover little-known details of his life as you...

• Follow the young Karol Wojtyla from his school days in Wadowice, Poland, to his wartime trials as a worker-student-actor in Krakow


• Listen to the personal stories written by friends and classmates, teachers and fellow clergy


• Watch while the energetic Karol Wojtyla hikes, bikes, skis, and kayaks


• Share in his decision to join the church and follow him through his rise from busy pastoral priest to world-traveling pontiff


• Learn about the inner workings of the Vatican


• Look behind the scenes at the negotiations for Poland's freedom involving Solidarity, the Vatican, the Polish government, the White House, and the Kremlin


• And finally, watch as the world pays tribute at the Vatican's solemn farewell.

"John Paul II" is a tribute to the life of this extraordinary man, who was truly the "pilgrim of hope".