Subtitled Statesman of Faith, this 46-minute documentary details the surprising history of the man who became the first Polish Pope. Toughened by the tragedy of losing his entire family, Karol Wojtyla was a young acting student when the Nazis invaded his Polish city. Old friends and colleagues describe how that event eventually turned him toward an underground seminary and how, amid the war and the resulting Communist takeover, Wojtyla evolved into an inspiring figure who led youth groups, published a book on sexuality, and became a rising academic. When the Vatican chose him to replace Pope John Paul I, it was with provocation of the Soviet Union in mind. This A&E Biography takes viewers through the new Pope's successful efforts to help end Communism and convince Catholics to celebrate conservative moral values. Included with the expected footage of the Pope amongst international throngs, there is graphic footage of the 1981 attempt on his life and candid photos of his 50th class reunion held at the Vatican.