Karol Josef Wojtyla was born in the crucible of a violent world in the midst of great changes, in a village near Krakow, Poland, in 1920. Over the next half century, he would go on to become one of the world's most influential leaders - affecting the lives of people throughout the world. First as Archbishop and Cardinal of Poland and later as Pope John Paul II, he would challenge the powerful on behalf of common people and human rights. He would take on dictators in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Soviet Union itself, demanding dignity and respect for the rights of the "little people." As Pope, he would also take strong positions on social issues that remain controversial today.

Amazingly, people throughout the world responded to his charisma with great curiosity and affection regardless of their religious beliefs. His travels to distant lands and his overture to religious leaders of other faiths to make common cause of world peace endeared him to millions of people.

When he died in 2005, he had been Pope the longest of any other in modern history. In an unprecedented move, the Vatican waived the five-year period of waiting before considering beatification and moved almost immediately to fast track the process. The process of beatification is expected to be finalized before the anniversary of his birthday in 2007.

This special program makes extensive use of music, images, and the deceased Pope's own words and statements in many languages to enlighten and inspire on the key themes that defined his papacy and his huge popularity in the world.

Sunday, 9/14/08 from 5-6:30 p.m. ET