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Pope John XXIII (Credit : De Agostini Editore, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Pope John XXIII born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, was an Italian priest of the Roman Catholic Church and the 262nd Pope from 1958 to 1963.

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born on November 25, 1881, in the village of Sotto il Monte, in northern Italy, into a modest family. After serving in the army, he was ordained a priest on August 10, 1904, and later served as the secretary to the bishop of Bergamo. During World War I, he showed courage as a stretcher-bearer and later as a chaplain, providing comfort and assistance to the wounded.

In 1925, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli joined the Vatican’s diplomatic service, where he was appointed Apostolic Visitor to Bulgaria. During World War II, while based in Istanbul, he played a crucial role in helping Jews from Hungary and other countries escape the Holocaust by providing them with false certificates.

His diplomatic career continued with his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to France in 1944, before being elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Pius XII in 1953 and appointed Patriarch of Venice. After numerous ballots, he was elected pope on October 28, 1958, becoming Pope John XXIII.

His pontificate was marked by bold initiatives, including the convocation of the Second Vatican Council in 1959, aimed at modernizing the Church and promoting Christian unity. His commitment to peace and social justice was exemplary, and he is recognized for placing the poor at the heart of his pastoral action.

He was present as Bishop in his Diocese of Rome through his visitation of the parishes, especially those in the new suburbs. The faithful saw in him a reflection of the goodness of God and called him "the good Pope". He was sustained by a profound spirit of prayer.

Pope John XXIII passed away on June 3, 1963, after a battle with stomach cancer, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and inclusivity that continues to inspire generations.

St. John Paul II beatified “Good Pope John” in 2000, and Pope Francis canonized him in 2014.

Article by Catholic Time Staff