Visit of Johannes-Paulus II in Zaïre, 1981

 

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 5th 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):

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

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