Karol Józef Wojtyła was born on 18 May 1920, the son of Charles and Emilia Kaczorowskich living in Wadowice. In the age of 9 his mother died three years later, leaving his brother Edmund. In his time he receives the sacraments of baptism and appropriate confirmation from childhood is actively involved in religious life. Attend school, and then to the National Gymnasium. In May 1938 works well, maturity, and then begin his studies at the Jagiellonian University (Polish studies). World War II forced to discontinue studies. Begin work as a laborer, messenger sklepowy, then is hired as an assistant shotfirer in quarries. And his friends take an active part in artistic and literary. At the beginning of 1941 severely experienced the death of his father who he says was his last as a close person in his life. A year later, begin studying the underground Jagiellonian University Faculty of Theology - as a cleric of the Archdiocese of Cracow zakonspirowanego Seminar. At the beginning of 1944 is wounded, hit by a German truck. In September is tonsure at the hands of Prince Metropolitan. In April 1945, takes up his duties junior assistant at the Theological Faculty of the Jagiellonian University. In 1946 he is ordained a deacon and then sub it receives from the hands of Prince Metropolitan ordained diakońskie. November 1, 1946 is ordained to the priesthood at the hands of Cardinal Sapieha, in the chapel of the House of Bishops.
