TODAY the Church remembers one of the most popular popes of all time, St John XXIII, who from reigned 1958–63.
St John XXIII, whose birth name was Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, was a prominent figure in the 2oth Century.
He was born on November 25, 1881, in Sotto il Monte, Italy, and became the 261st Pope.
St John XXIII is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council in 1962.
This ecumenical council brought significant changes to the Church, including an increased emphasis on ecumenism, and a more open approach to interfaith dialogue.
The council aimed to address various issues and challenges facing the Church in the modern world.
Pope John XXIII is often remembered for his warm and pastoral demeanour, leading to his popular nickname, “Good Pope John” (“Il Papa Buono” in Italian).
He emphasised the need for dialogue and understanding between the Church and the secular world.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the Church and his efforts to promote unity and reform, Pope John XXIII was canonised as a saint by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014.
He is also known for his encyclical “Pacem in Terris,” which called for peace and justice in the world during the Cold War era.
Angelo was the fourth child of 14, born to pious parents.
His religious education was entrusted to his godfather, who instilled in him a deep love and admiration of the mystery of God.
He entered the minor seminary in 1892 at the age of 11, became a Secular Francsican in 1896 and in 1901 he entered the Pontifical Roman Seminary.
On being ordained in 1904, he was appointed secretary to the bishop of Bergamo and taught in the seminary.
His great friends among the saints during this formative period were St Charles Borromeo and St Francis de Sales, two outstanding intellectuals and also formidable pastors.
He served as a military chaplain during the First World War, served as spiritual director of a seminary, and in 1921 served as the Italian president of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
In 1925 Pius XI made him a bishop and sent him to Bulgaria as the Apostolic Visitator.
For his Episcopal motto he chose Oboedientia et Pax.
In 1935 he was assigned to Turkey and Greece where he ministered to the Catholic population and engaged in dialogue with Orthodox Christianity and with Islam.
During the Second World War he used his diplomatic means to save as many Jews as he could by obtaining safe passage for them.
He was created cardinal and Patriarch of Venice in 1953 and was a much-loved pastor, dedicating himself completely to the well-being of his flock.
Elected Pope on the death of Pope Pius XII, he was an example of a “pastoral” Pope, a good shepherd who cared deeply for his sheep.
His greatest act as Pope however was undoubtedly the inspiration to convoke the Second Vatican Council, which he opened on October 11, 1962.
Pope John’s spirit of humble simplicity, profound goodness, and deep life of prayer radiated in all that he did.
He died June 3, 1963, in Rome and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 3, 2000.
He was canonised by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on April 27, 2014, alongside the man who beatified him, St John Paul II.
