Pope John Paul II was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was elected pope by the second papal conclave of 1978, which was called after John Paul I, who had been elected in August to succeed Pope Paul VI, died after 33 days. Cardinal Wojtyła was elected on the third day of the conclave and adopted the name of his predecessor in tribute to him. John Paul II is recognised as helping to end Communist rule in his native Poland and the rest of Europe.  He was canonized, that is, declared a saint, by Pope Francis in 2014. 
 
 
1" (25.4mm) long including the bail
5/8" (15.87mm) wide
Oxidized metal with jump ring
Made in Italy
Does not include a chain or box