Pope John XXIII, affectionately known as “The Good Pope,” is remembered not only for his warmth and humility but also for his bold vision that reshaped the Catholic Church in the modern world. Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, in a small village in northern Italy, he came from a humble farming family. His roots in a simple life greatly influenced his approach as a pope, bringing a spirit of openness, warmth, and renewal to the Church.
The Path to the Papacy
Angelo Roncalli’s journey to becoming Pope John XXIII was marked by decades of dedicated service in the Church. After being ordained a priest in 1904, he served in various roles, including as a seminary professor and in the Vatican's diplomatic service. His work as a diplomat took him to Bulgaria, Turkey, and France, where he became known for his ability to engage with people of different backgrounds and faiths. These experiences cultivated a sense of dialogue and unity in him—qualities that would later define his papacy.
In 1953, he was appointed Cardinal and Patriarch of Venice, but it wasn't until 1958, at the age of 76, that he was elected pope. Many saw him as a “caretaker pope,” expected to maintain the status quo. Yet, Pope John XXIII had other plans—plans that would transform the Church and its relationship with the modern world.
Vatican II: A Time for Renewal
One of Pope John XXIII’s most significant and boldest contributions was the convocation of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). In 1962, he gathered bishops from all over the world, aiming to bring a breath of fresh air into the Church. His vision was not to change the core doctrines but to renew the Church’s approach and make it more accessible to the contemporary world. He famously spoke of the need to “open the windows of the Church and let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through.”
Vatican II introduced numerous changes that have since become foundational to modern Catholic practice. It emphasized the importance of liturgy in the local language, encouraged active participation of the laity, and fostered ecumenism—a dialogue between the Church and other Christian denominations. It also emphasized the Church’s role in promoting human dignity and social justice. Although Pope John XXIII did not live to see the council's completion, his vision of aggiornamento (updating) laid the groundwork for a Church that could speak to people in the evolving world.
A Heart for Peace and Unity
Beyond his efforts within the Church, Pope John XXIII was known for his commitment to peace. During the tense period of the Cold War, he released the encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) in 1963, which addressed all people of goodwill, not just Catholics. It called for dialogue, mutual respect, and disarmament, emphasizing that peace could only be achieved through justice and human rights. The document was widely acclaimed and made a significant impact beyond the Church, garnering praise from world leaders and people of different faiths.
The Good Pope: A Shepherd to All
Pope John XXIII’s nickname, “The Good Pope,” was not given lightly. His warmth, humility, and deep love for humanity shone through in his actions and words. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, whether it was through his famous midnight visits to Rome’s children’s hospital, or his gentle interactions with those who came to St. Peter’s Square. His genuine care for every person, regardless of their background, left a deep impression on many.
He believed that God’s love was boundless and that the Church should be a beacon of that love, embracing everyone. As he famously said, “We are not on earth to guard a museum, but to cultivate a flourishing garden of life.”
Legacy and Canonization
Pope John XXIII passed away on June 3, 1963, after battling stomach cancer, leaving behind a profound legacy of openness and hope. His influence continued to resonate throughout the Church long after his death, as the changes initiated by Vatican II continued to shape Catholic life.
In 2014, he was canonized alongside Pope John Paul II, with both pontiffs celebrated for their contributions to the Church. His feast day is celebrated on October 11th, the anniversary of the opening of Vatican II, a fitting tribute to the transformative impact he had on the Church.
Remembering Pope John XXIII Today
Today, Pope John XXIII is remembered as a visionary, a shepherd, and a peacemaker. His willingness to listen to the Spirit and embrace change with courage has left a lasting imprint on the Catholic Church. He reminds us that faith should be lived with joy and openness, and that the Church’s mission is to engage with the world—to be both a source of comfort and a catalyst for change.
For many, he remains an inspiring example of humble leadership and a reminder that even the smallest steps toward dialogue and understanding can open the door to new possibilities. Pope John XXIII’s legacy encourages us to keep our hearts open to the world and to seek ways to make God’s love known to everyone we meet.

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