The Secret Life of John Paul II

"I still remember the moment I first saw his open, jovial face, that one-of-a-kind smile, the lively and luminous eyes that seemed that they might be laughing even more.

I should have understood already from that smile who he would truly become, what he would represent for me, for us, for everyone, for history."

Blessed Pope John Paul II was an avid sportsman, a skilled skier, and a lover of the outdoors. That much is known.

But the story of his secret trips to the mountains with a handful of his closest friends remains hidden. No longer.

For the first time in English, join Lino Zani, John Paul's ski guide and friend, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Pope away from the Vatican.

The Secret Life of Pope John Paul II is the story of the Pope as you've never seen him before, at play and prayer in his beloved mountains.

Lino Zani was born in the Italian Alps where he worked with his family as a guide and ski instructor (and where he met and befriended Blessed Pope John Paul II). He is an avid adventurer and outdoorsman. He has climbed many of the world\'s tallest mountains. He currently serves as a consultant for major sports equipment companies and is the director of the Italian Foundation for the Mountains.