Gospel in Art: Saint John Paul II, Pope

Life of Pope John Paul II, by Steven Grant, introduction by Cardinal Martins, 1982 © Marvel Comics, all rights reserved

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 22 October 2025
Luke 12:39-48

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, Know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'

Peter said, 'Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?'

And the Lord said, 'Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, "My master is delayed in coming", and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.'

Reflection on the Marvel Comic

Today we celebrate Saint John Paul II, one of the most compelling and beloved figures of the 20th century. Born in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Wojtyła grew up under the shadow of war and oppression. He lost most of his family at a young age, worked in a quarry during the Nazi occupation, and secretly studied for the priesthood. Later, as a young bishop, he played a key role in the Second Vatican Council, and after his election as pope, he became the most widely travelled pontiff in history, reaching corners of the world no pope had ever gone before. His courage, intellect, and humanity inspired millions, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

But did you know that John Paul II's life was once told in a Marvel comic book? In 1982, the creators of Spider-Man and the Avengers turned their attention to the life of a saint in the making. The comic traces his story from childhood in Poland all the way to the assassination attempt on his life in St Peter's Square.

So what persuaded Marvel to do this? It began with Gene Pelc, a Marvel representative living in Japan, who had been helping the company adapt its heroes for Japanese audiences. When Pope John Paul II visited Japan in 1981, Pelc met him and received permission to tell his story, on one condition: that a priest friend of the pope would oversee the project to ensure its accuracy and respect. The result was extraordinary. Over one million copies sold worldwide. The comic was so successful that Marvel followed it up two years later with another issue, this time about Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Why did Marvel do this? Because even in a world filled with fictional heroes, the lives of the saints are the stories of our true heroes! Saints are men and women who faced evil, injustice, and suffering not with superpowers, but with faith, courage, and love.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-12-39-48-2025/