St. John XXIII – The Good Pope and Vatican II Reformer

ST. JOHN XXIII (POPE)

St. John XXIII, born Angelo Roncalli, was a beloved pope known for his humility, warmth, and initiating the Second Vatican Council. His legacy lives on as a reformer and promoter of peace and unity in the Catholic Church.

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, known to the world as Pope John XXIII, was born on November 25, 1881, in a small Italian village called Sotto il Monte. The fourth of thirteen children in a humble farming family, he lived a life of simplicity, faith, and service from a young age. He was ordained a priest in 1904 and served in various ecclesiastical and diplomatic roles, including Apostolic Delegate to Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece, and later as Nuncio to France. His deep humanity, wisdom, and pastoral heart made him widely respected within and outside the Church.

In 1953, Roncalli was named Cardinal and Patriarch of Venice, a role in which he served with distinction. In a surprising move, he was elected pope in 1958 at the age of 76. Many believed his papacy would be short and uneventful, but Pope John XXIII surprised the world. He became one of the most transformative figures in modern Church history. Just a few months into his papacy, he announced his intention to convene an ecumenical council—what would become the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). This Council would open in 1962 and bring sweeping changes, encouraging openness, modernization, and deeper engagement with the modern world.

Pope John XXIII was known for his kindness and joyful spirit. He referred to himself as “a humble priest called to serve,” and was affectionately called “Il Papa Buono” (The Good Pope). His encyclicals, especially Pacem in Terris, reflected a profound commitment to social justice, peace, and human dignity.

He passed away on June 3, 1963, after a battle with stomach cancer. His death was mourned across the globe by people of all faiths and nations. Decades later, Pope Francis canonized him on April 27, 2014, recognizing his holiness and historical impact without requiring a second miracle, an exceptional step in the canonization process.

Today, St. John XXIII remains a symbol of hope, dialogue, and compassion. His vision for a Church that listens and walks with the people continues to influence Catholic thought and action in the 21st century.

Feast Day

11-10-1963

Birth Date

25-11-1881

Died Date

3-6-1963

Canonised Date

27-4-2014

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

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ST. JOHN XXIII (POPE)

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ST. JOHN XXIII (POPE)

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