“A Boy Who Became Pope: The Story of Saint John Paul II” by Fabiola Garza.
Pauline Books & Media, Boston, 2014, 72 pages, Grades 3-5.
At the death of a pope, a conclave is held to elect a new Holy Father. Conclave means “with the key” and is significant because the election is held in the Sistine Chapel and the front door is locked during the election. The cardinals electing the pope prayerfully chose the cleric they feel God desires to govern the Church.
For centuries, Italian cardinals were chosen to lead the Church. But in 1978, a surprising change occurs with the election of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla from Poland. He takes the name of John Paul II. This election of a non-Italian cardinal is surprising and many people wonder about the life story of Cardinal Wojtyla.
Fabiola Farza describes a number of important facts about the life of Pope John Paul II in this well-written children’s biography: “A Boy Who Became Pope: The Story of Saint John Paul II.”
On May 18, 1920, a baby boy is born in Wadowice, Poland. He is named Karol and is the youngest of three children. Tragedy strikes Karol’s family as his older sister has passed away before he is born and his mother dies when he is still a young child. Several years later, his beloved older brother also dies. So as a young man, Karol has already lost a mother, sister and brother. Then, after World War II breaks out, his father dies.
Having faced the end of life so many times, young Karol begins to think about the meaning of life. This leads to his decision to become a priest.
But times are hard with the Nazis ruling Poland with an iron hand. He survives the war through a series of events that seems to have been directed by the Holy Spirit. These include getting an easy job at a rock quarry and in not getting sent to work in Germany for the Third Reich. At the war’s end, he is ordained a priest in 1946.
Soon after this, Father Wojtyla is sent to Rome for further studies. There he enjoys the beauty of Rome and loves the many books he reads in Rome’s fine libraries.
But Poland is changing. Its new situation can be summed up in the old proverb: “Out of the frying pan, into the fire.” Though the Nazis are gone, the Communists have arrived. They are just as cruel and belligerent towards the Catholic Church as the Nazi rulers. It is here that Father Karol begins to develop the magnificent skills he will exhibit for so many years as pope. He challenges the Communist government and organizes a march demanding the construction of a church. He organizes groups of young people to better learn their faith. He trains his mind and heart in prayer and charity. He is soon made a bishop and quickly rises through the ranks of the hierarchy. In 1978, a papal conclave will completely change his life.
How does Cardinal Wojtyla’s great faith and love of God allow him to become an instrument of the Lord? Why does he have so much joy upon being elected pope? How does the pain he suffered when all of his family died allow him to be such a compassionate heart? Why does he have such a magnetic personality that people all over the world will shout out: “John Paul II, we love you!”?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to a local bookstore and order this interesting biography, “A Boy Who Became Pope: The Story of Saint John Paul II” by Fabiola Garza.
Garza tells the story of John Paul II’s early family life quite well. We see him struggling with the loss of his beloved family members. Later, we see him discerning his vocation leading to his ordination. The book shows his courage, holiness and genuine humanity. I hope you get a chance to encourage the younger members of your family to read this read this fine biography. The age group most appropriate for this book would be third- to fifth-graders. Enjoy!
