Exhibit Closing: The Pope and The President

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Simi Valley, CA

Ronald Reagan once called Pope John Paul II “a man of peace and goodness -- an inspiration to the world.” And, in a letter Pope John Paul II wrote to President Reagan to thank him and his administration for working to resolve the Lebanese crisis, he finished the letter with “I ask the Lord to give courage and wisdom to the leaders involved in the arduous task of constructing peace in the Middle East.”

In addition to their firm stances against Communism, Saint John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan had strikingly similar backgrounds. Both leaders had survived attempts on their lives and had granted forgiveness to their would-be assassins. Both had worked as actors in their early years prior to becoming influential figures. As such, both came from a unique perspective unlike their colleagues. They were optimistic that peace was possible. Their similar outlooks made them suitable allies and a force of hope in the world.

Join us between August 31 and October 27, 2024, as the Reagan Library brings to the public an all-new special exhibition, The Pope and The President: Bringing Hope to the World. The exhibit, which covers different chapter of Saint John Paul II’s life – from his childhood to joining the priesthood to his first meeting with President Reagan that set the stage for their long-lasting friendship and partnership, tells the story of President Reagan and Saint John Paul II’s enduring collaboration, enabling visitors to experience their lives and impact in parallel. The exhibit also gives the public a chance to view never-before-seen gifts to President Ronald Reagan from Saint John Paul II and the Vatican. It will also display documents leading up to the five face-to-face meetings between the two men: The Vatican (June 7, 1982), Alaska (May 2, 1984, Miami/Vizcaya (September 10, 1987), and The Vatican (June 6, 1987).

Objects on display include a Pope Saint John Paul II bronze bust, gifted by the Friends of John Paul II and sculpted by American sculptor Gordon Kray, as well as documents preceding the four face-to-face meetings between Reagan and Saint John Paul II, the dress Nancy Reagan wore when first meeting the Pope, souvenirs from the 1984 meeting in Alaska and several gifts from the Pope to the Reagans, including an ivory Madonna and blessed medallions.