Pope Johannes-Paulus II, 1980

Pope John Paul II (1920- ) is said to be the most recognized person in the world. He is the most traveled Pope in the 2,000-year history of the Church and speaks eight languages. Born Karol Joseph Wojtyla (pronounced Voy-tee-wah) in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920 to an administrative officer in the Polish army and a former schoolteacher. In 1978, at the age of 58 the College of Cardinals elected him to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first non-Italian chosen as Pope in 456 years and the youngest in this century. At age 61 he suffered serious wounds during an assassination attempt.

Traveled to Africa in 1980:

Arrival in Africa, Kinshasa, Zaire on May 2, 1980. Traveled on the 5^th to Brazzaville, on the end of the 5e he went to Kisangani in Zaire, later in the day he left for Nairobi.

First Day Covers (FDC):

Note: Blanco or airmail envelopes are not shown here but do exist.

FDC with block 42

Design and editor: S.A. Campo-Rodan N.V., Brussels-Belgium

FDC with no 1036 or block 42 imperforated: Not known to exist

FDC. With no 941 from 1978 (Curiosity)

Design and editor: S.A. Campo-Rodan N.V., Brussels-Belgium