A Pope for All Seasons

After TIME had decided to name John Paul II Person of the Year in late 1994, I and several colleagues traveled to Rome to talk with him. He was still quite vigorous then, and noted during our audience at the Vatican that though he realized that in the past TIME had picked Lech Walesa and Pope John XXIII, the magazine also had selected Stalin and Hitler. One of my colleagues remarked wryly that TIME actually kept two lists–one good and one bad–and that he was on the good list. “I hope I always remain on the good list,” said the Pope with a smile.

John Paul II appeared on the cover of TIME 15 times, easily a record for a religious leader and reflective of his influence on the world. For so many in the world, he is the only Pope they have known. To read TIME’s reporting about him over the years, and to follow the funeral and the conclave that will elect the 265th Pontiff, please be sure and visit TIME.com

James Kelly, Managing Editor