The pictures were taken by Adam Bujak, known as Poland’s “papal photographer”, who took almost a million shots of John Paul II over four decades.
The photos on show include those of Karol Wojtyła’s consecration as bishop in 1958, his modest room in the Archbishops’ Palace, his meetings with the faithful, celebrations marking the millennium of Polish Christianity in 1966, John Paul II’s pilgrimages to Poland, and the “White March” held in Kraków after the assassination attempt on his life in 1981.
Some of the photos are on show to the public for the first time.
Bujak told the Polish Press Agency that he has selected pictures of outstanding artistic merit which at the same time offer documentary insights into Polish history.
The exhibition, held as Poland marks 100 years since the birth of Karol Wojtyła, runs until November 29.
Born in 1942, Bujak is among Poland’s most prominent photographers. Most of his books and albums focus on Polish history, landscapes and the life of the Roman Catholic Church.
His honours include the Order of the White Eagle, the highest Polish state distinction.
Pope John Paul II led the Roman Catholic Church from October 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005. He was a strong supporter of Poland's anti-communist Solidarity movement and is recognised as a key influence in helping to end communist rule in Poland in 1989.
He was the third longest-serving pontiff in history and was declared a saint in 2014.
(mk/pk)