The secret letters of Pope John Paul II – BBC February 15, 2016 by Fulcrum Pope John Paul II was one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century, revered by millions and made a saint in record time, just nine years after he died. The BBC has seen letters he wrote to a married woman, the Polish-born philosopher Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka, that shed new light on his emotional life. Edward Stourton. BBC 16 February 2016 FulcrumShareTweetShare