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St. John XXIII (1881–1963), born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, was the 261st pope of the Catholic Church, serving from 1958 until his death in 1963. Known as the “Good Pope,” he is celebrated for his humility, pastoral warmth, and vision for a renewed Church. Here are some key aspects of his life and pontificate:
Early Life and Ministry
Born: November 25, 1881, in Sotto il Monte, Bergamo, Italy, into a humble farming family.
Education: Studied at the Pontifical Roman Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1904.
Diplomatic Career: Served as a papal diplomat in Bulgaria, Turkey, and France, where he worked to foster relations between Catholics and other Christian communities, as well as with Muslims and Jews.
Papacy (1958–1963)
Election: Elected pope on October 28, 1958, at age 76, many expected his pontificate to be transitional. Instead, it became transformative.
Second Vatican Council (Vatican II): Convened the council in 1962, seeking to renew the Church and engage it with the modern world. His vision was one of aggiornamento (bringing up to date) while remaining faithful to tradition.
Social Teachings: Promoted peace and social justice, most notably through his encyclical Pacem in Terris (1963), which addressed peace and human rights in the nuclear age.
Key Themes and Legacy
Pastoral Approach: Known for his kindness, accessibility, and emphasis on the Church as a motherly and merciful presence.
Dialogue: Encouraged dialogue with other Christian denominations and religions.
Canonization: Declared a saint by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, alongside St. John Paul II.
St. John XXIII is affectionately remembered for his human warmth and visionary leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. His feast day is October 11, commemorating the opening of the Second Vatican Council.
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