Updated April 2, 2024 at 12:20 p.m. Pope John Paul II died on this day in 2005, at the age of 84. Get This Happened straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here. Why was Pope John Paul II such a surprising choice?When Polish-born Karol Wojtyla was was elected on October 16, 1978, John Paul II became the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years. What were some of Pope John Paul II’s accomplishments?Pope John Paul II was known for his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, social justice, and peace. He also played a key role in the fall of communism in Europe, particularly in his native Polan…