Wadowice, the hometown of Pope John Paul II, is expecting an influx of visitors after his recent canonization. The modest apartment block where John Paul II lived as a boy (pictured) has been turned into a museum exhibiting mementos of his life.
On the trail of Pope John Paul II —
Wadowice, the hometown of Pope John Paul II, is expecting an influx of visitors after his recent canonization. The modest apartment block where John Paul II lived as a boy (pictured) has been turned into a museum exhibiting mementos of his life.
Pola Henderson
Several rooms, including the bathroom, have been preserved as they were during the future pope's youth.
Childhood home —
Several rooms, including the bathroom, have been preserved as they were during the future pope's youth.
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Born Karol Wojtyla in 1920, the future pope lived in Wadowice, about 50 kilometers from Krakow, until he was 18. As a young man, he enjoyed hiking in the nearby Beskidy Mountains. Now there's a peak named after him.
Beskidy Mountains —
Born Karol Wojtyla in 1920, the future pope lived in Wadowice, about 50 kilometers from Krakow, until he was 18. As a young man, he enjoyed hiking in the nearby Beskidy Mountains. Now there's a peak named after him.
Pola Henderson
Long before he was ordained, Wojtyla was a keen sportsman and frequented a local gymnastics club.
Athletic youth —
Long before he was ordained, Wojtyla was a keen sportsman and frequented a local gymnastics club.
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This Browning pistol, on display at the John Paul II family home museum, was used in a 1981 assassination attempt.
Assassination attempt weapon —
This Browning pistol, on display at the John Paul II family home museum, was used in a 1981 assassination attempt.
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The future Pope was baptized as a child and later served as an altar boy at Wadowice's Minor Basilica church.
Minor Basilica —
The future Pope was baptized as a child and later served as an altar boy at Wadowice's Minor Basilica church.
Pola Henderson
Just in case visitors forget why they're there -- a statue of John Paul II stands over an entrance to the Minor Basilica.
Papal statue —
Just in case visitors forget why they're there -- a statue of John Paul II stands over an entrance to the Minor Basilica.
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