The Pope's Letters

Available for over a year

Saint John Paul was one of the most famous faces of the 20th Century - during the years of his globetrotting pontificate he was probably seen by more people than anyone in history. Now, the discovery of hundreds of letters charting a deep friendship with a Anna-Teresa Tymiencka, a married woman for 32 years, has revealed a new side of his life. Edward Stourton presents extracts from the letters which convey John Paul's sense that she was a "gift" in his life and how important her companionship became to his role in the church. This programme is only available within the UK. Producer Phil Pegum Editor Christine Morgan.