In February 1968 Cardinal Wojtyla took possession of the titular Church of S. Cesareo in Palatio (Rome), and a year later he finally moved out of his old lodgings in Via Kanonicza to the official Archbishop's Residence in Via Franciszkanska 3.

Appointed vice-president of the Episcopal Conference held in America, on his return, Cardinal Wojtyla participated in the First Extraordinary Synod of Bishops as a nominated Pontifical member.

Later in 1969 the Polish Theological Society of Krakow published his 'The Acting Person'.

August 11, 1978 saw the funeral of Pope Paul VI and 15 days later, on August 26 Cardinal Albino Luciani was elected John Paul I. A mere 32 days after his appointment as Pope, John Paul I passed away.

On October 16, 1978 cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected Pontiff. He took the name Pope John Paul II.

His life after that date, until it ended April 2, 2005, was an open chapter in the Church history.

The Pope bidding farewell to King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania at Queen Alia International airport in Amman on 21 March 2000.

Photographs: JAMAL NASRALLAH/AFP/Getty Images

Also See: Cardinals have no power on papal office