How long had Pope John Paul been leading the Roman Catholic Church?

Pope John Paul the Second has died at the age of 84 after leading the Roman Catholic Church for more than 26 years. The Polish-born pontiff died after suffering heart and kidney failure following two hospitalizations in as many months.
     News of John Paul’s passing was delivered to tens-of-thousands of people who gathered in Saint Peter’s Square to light candles and pray for the pope. As they heard the news, some in the crowd raised their hands to their faces in disbelief, while others began sobbing uncontrollably. For many, John Paul was the only pope they ever knew.
     John Paul’s death marks the end of a reign that revolutionized the papacy. He traveled to more than 120 countries t6 minister to his widespread {lock of more than one-billion people. He built bridges to other faiths and confessions, and he spoke out forcefully in favor of the world’s poor and oppressed.