Remembering Pope John Paul II

Despite closing 30% of its Catholic parishes from 1990 to 2003, the Greater Pittsburgh Diocese has a Catholic population of 812,078 (41.27% of the total population), many of whom are coming together to remember the life of Pope John Paul II. For more on Pope John Paul II, including special memorial masses, a biography of his life and ancestry, and answers on how a new Pope is elected...

Biography of Pope John Paul II - A powerful leader and one of the world's best-loved Popes, John Paul II passed away on April 2, 2005. Learn about the life of this amazing man, from his childhood in Poland to his accomplishments as leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Electing the Next Pope - Just about anything you could want to know about the Papal election process, including the conclave (set for April 18), voting, and the attributes considered by the Cardinals.

Family Tree of Pope John Paul II - Yes, even Popes have families. Sadly, however, Karol Jozef Wojtyla (known to his friends in Poland as "Lolek") had lost his mother, father, and siblings by the time he was 21.

Special Masses for Pope John Paul II - The Pittsburgh Diocese plans a special Diocesan Mass for Pope John Paul II at Saint Paul Cathedral on April 8, 2005, 7:00 p.m. A memorial Mass for the Holy Father will also be celebrated by Bishop Wuerl at Saint Mary of Mercy on Friday, April 8 at Noon.