The Pope's Letters

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.

Extracts from letters charting a friendship between Pope John Paul II and a married woman.