Celebrating the life of the beloved spiritual leader, POPE JOHN PAUL II presents a biographical portrait emphasizing the importance and influence of the Pope. Beginning with the Pope's childhood in Poland, where he barely escaped the Nazi death machine, the documentary then shows how he came to be involved in spiritual work and was elected to be the Vicar of God. More detailed is the film's presentation of his life as Pope: the assassination attempt that nearly took his life, his world tours and efforts at diplomacy, and his response to the pressing political issues of the day.