Resumen:
This article examines John Paul II's contribution to the law as a statesman, world leader and universal pastor of the Roman Catholic Church. John Paul II's approach to the law was shaped by the stark realities of having suffered firsthand the injustice of two totalitarian regimes and the cruelties of the Second World War. An ardent defender of human rights, especially the rights to life and religious liberty, John Paul II saw in the dignity of man and in human solidarity the two great levers for furthering the development of legal systems. Lastly, this article explores John Paul II's invaluable role in updating and reforming the Church's Canon Law. He had a singular role in promulgating the Code of Canon Law of 1983, the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches of 1990, and the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus of 1988 on reforming the Roman Curia organization and government. For these and other relevant legal contributions, John Paul II well deserves the title of jurist.