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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
November 25, 1881–June 3, 1963
Patron Saint of Papal delegates, the Second Vatican Council, the Patriarchate of Venice, and Christian unity
St. John XXIII is remembered as a pope of extraordinary warmth, humility, and pastoral wisdom. Known throughout the world as the “Good Pope,” he inspired millions through his joyful faith, compassionate heart, and confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Although his pontificate lasted less than five years, its impact on the life of the Church continues to be felt today.
Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1881 to a farming family in Sotto il Monte, Italy, he grew up in a home centered in deep faith, hard work, and trust in God. After studying for the priesthood, he was ordained in 1904 and later served as a military chaplain during World War I.
Angelo’s gifts for diplomacy and pastoral care led to appointments as the Holy See’s representative in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and France, where he earned the respect of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He was given the title of Monsignor and later elevated to Cardinal.
In 1958, he was elected pope at the age of 76, taking the name John XXIII. Many expected him to serve as a transitional pope. Instead, just three months after his election, he announced his plans for convening the Second Vatican Council. Opening the Council in 1962, he encouraged the Church to present the timeless truths of the Gospel with renewed zeal and charity, seeking to engage the modern world while remaining faithful to Christ.
His writings referenced the Church’s social doctrine developed by Pope Leo XIII to address the social issues of his time. His encyclicals included Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), which addressed human dignity, rights, and world peace during the Cold War, and Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher), which addressed the Christian duty of human solidarity.
On June 3, 1963, St. John XXIII died while the Second Vatican Council was still underway. Canonized by Pope Francis in 2014, he is remembered for his efforts to renew the Church’s missionary journey to proclaim the Gospel to new generations of Catholics in the modern world.
When John XXIII announced the Second Vatican Council in 1959, many were surprised because no major crisis required an ecumenical council. He explained that his desire was for an aggiornamento—an “updating” or renewal that would help the Church communicate the unchanging Gospel more effectively to the modern world. He envisioned a council that would strengthen the faith of Catholics, promote Christian unity, encourage holiness, and renew the Church’s missionary spirit. The Council produced 16 documents that continue to guide the Church’s life and ministry.
Before becoming pope, Archbishop Angelo Roncalli served as the Vatican’s diplomatic representative in Turkey and Greece during World War II. Using his diplomatic position, he quietly assisted thousands of Jews and refugees by helping provide immigration certificates, baptismal documentation when appropriate, and communication with relief organizations. In this way, he helped people leave Nazi-occupied areas and prevented others from being removed from safe places, which saved many lives. While Pope John XXIII rarely spoke publicly about these efforts, historians have documented his humanitarian work, and many Jewish leaders later expressed gratitude for his compassion and courage during one of history’s darkest periods.
Although Pope John XXIII wrote several important encyclicals as pope, one of his most beloved works is his Journal of a Soul, a collection of personal spiritual reflections, retreat notes, and resolutions spanning much of his life. The journal reveals a man deeply committed to humility, obedience, prayer, and continual conversion. It has been published and distributed widely. His papal encyclicals, especially Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher) and Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth), further demonstrate his concern for human dignity, social justice, peace among nations, and the Christian responsibility to build a more just society rooted in the Gospel.
The Blessed Virgin Mary bore extreme pains throughout her life. And as the mother of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), she witnessed her Son’s Passion and Death on the Cross. This is why, as we face our own pains and temptations, we should turn to Our Lady of Sorrows and meditate on her Seven Dolors, or Sorrows.
This free eBook will encourage you to meditate on these Sorrows that pierced Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Use the form below to tell us where to send your free eBook, The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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