In 1956 as the Diocese of Atlanta was established, Pope Pius XII was Holy Father. In the 25 years that followed, the new diocese would see four more popes. John XXIII was elected in 1958 and Paul VI in 1963.

John Paul I was elected on Aug. 26, 1978 and tragically died just one month later on Sept. 28. John Paul II was elected on Oct. 16, 1978.

The present pope was Karol Wojtyla, Cardinal-Archbishop of Cracow, Poland, at the time of his election. He is the first non-Italian elected to the office of St. Peter in 450 years. Since his election, Pope John Paul II has become the most traveled pope in the history of the Church. In October 1979 the Holy Father made an historic visit to the United States.