when was pope john paul ii elected

Pope John Paul II was elected on October 16, 1978. He was elected on the eighth ballot during the second conclave held that year, following the death of Pope John Paul I, who had reigned for only 33 days. John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, became the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years and was one of the youngest popes in history at the time of his election. He accepted his election with the words: "With obedience in faith to Christ, my Lord, and with trust in the Mother of Christ and the Church, in spite of great difficulties, I accept." Upon his election, he took the name John Paul II in honor of his immediate predecessor, John Paul I.