You are right - in Poland he had the biggest influence - but don't forget - exactly since Poland changed the political system also other countries changed their political systems. Everything has been started here, in Poland. Tchech Republic, East Germeny (DDR) , Romania and after - "pieriestrojka" in USSR.
I guess You guys at the West of Europe should learn more about currently story of the East and Central Europe. I guesss even in Italy it's possible now to read books about John Paul the Second and his big influence at all world.
About a lot of saints and a lot of pilgrimages - it shows only how hard has been working. Until end of his life.
One question more - why exactly the people in Italy started call him "Il Grande Giovanno Paulo"? I don't think it's without any reason. Try to understand it.
