John Paul II the Great

On the occasion of the beatification of Pope John Paul II (1 May 2011), the present book has been recast and updated. For the canonization of John Paul II (27 April 2014), Bernard Balayn has, so to speak, come full circle by adding to this biography a supplement (delivered free of charge with the book) which presents all the facts between the beatification and the canonization. He thus completes a biography considered to be the best on this great saint.

In his masterly preface, Cardinal Paul Poupard, who worked closely with John Paul II for 26 years, emphasizes: "Courageous and tenacious, as Bernard Balayn admirably shows throughout this monumental and irreplaceable biography, John Paul II, with a well thought-out and persevering plan, despite the attack of May 13, 1981, placed the Church at the heart of history, to inscribe a lasting imprint in the political and spiritual future of the world. "From this portrait of the Blessed Pope, Cardinal Poupard praises "the meticulous investigation [15 years of research], the rigorous and warm evocation, whose merit is to introduce us into the dynamics of his life unified by the love of Christ and the total consecration to the Virgin Mary. This biography, unique of its kind, makes it possible to make known as widely and deeply as possible the extraordinary life of one of the greatest popes of all times.

"What an enormous, precious and fraternal gift is this sum on John Paul II the Great"! Congratulations to Bernard BALAYN! Here is a mine where we can follow, step by step, this great saint who has led the Church for more than 25 years. Those who frequent my little 'parish' are already profiting from it. Thank you very much!" (Father Pierre GOURDON)