Pope John Paul II was elected pope on October 16, 1978. He served as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from that date until his death on April 2, 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and one of the youngest popes in history at the time of his election. His pontificate lasted for more than 26 years, making him the third-longest- serving pope in history.