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International
16 October 1978

Pontificate of John Paul II

The Second Vatican Council contributed to erosion of the Catholic Church in Europe, but at the same time, to its revitalisation on other continents. The election of John Paul II to the Holy See in October 1978 initiated a new evangelical mission of the Church in the world, and the pope himself visited over 100 countries in the world, contributing to many social and political changes, including weakening of the Soviet empire.

16 October 1978

16 October 1978: Cardinal Karol Wojtyła becomes Pope and assumes the name of John Paul II

31 August 1980

Establishment of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union 'Solidarność'