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Pope John Paul II: A powerful spirit

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After he had completed his secondary school in 1938, Wojtyla and his father moved to Via Tynieca 10, Krakow. He enrolled for a course on Polish Philosophy at the Jagiellonian University at Krakow, also joining the Eucharist and charity section of the University's Student Society.

He simultaneously followed up his dramatic interests, joining the Studio 38, an experimental theatre group founded by Tadeusz Kudlinski.

During 1934-1938, Wojtyla made his mark on stage in Waldowice through his dramatic performances. He was made president of the Society of Mary at his school and, soon after, took his first pilgrimage to Czestochowa.

He also received his Sacrament of Confirmation. Wojtyla also participated in military training exercises at Hermanice in 1935 and at Ozombki in 1939.

When the Second World War broke out; Wojtyla joined the underground theatre movement. But Lolek was soon alone. His Father died on February 18, 1941, without seeing his son ordained a priest. Lolek was just 21 years old then.

Pope John Paul II receives Albanian nun Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997) in December 13, 1979 after she was awarded the Nobel Prize for her humanitarian work with the poor.

Photographs: Keystone/Getty Images

Also See: How the Pope touched India

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