The Catholic Church today commemorates Pope Saint John XXIII, affectionately known as “Good Pope John,” whose life and papacy became a symbol of humility, renewal, and dialogue. Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, in the small village of Sotto il Monte, Italy, he rose from a humble farming family to become one of the most beloved Popes in modern history.
Angelo was the fourth of fourteen children, raised in a deeply devout family. His religious formation began early under the guidance of his godfather, who cultivated in him a profound reverence for God and a love for the Church. By the age of 11, he had entered the minor seminary, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service. Four years later, in 1896, he became a Secular Franciscan, embracing simplicity and devotion as hallmarks of his life.
In 1901, he joined the Pontifical Roman Seminary, where his intellect and pastoral sensitivity grew. He was ordained a priest in 1904, and soon after, appointed as secretary to the Bishop of Bergamo. Alongside his administrative duties, he taught Church history and theology to seminarians, drawing inspiration from the lives of St. Charles Borromeo and St. Francis de Sales, whose balance of scholarship and pastoral care deeply influenced him.
During World War I, Fr. Roncalli served as a military chaplain, ministering to wounded soldiers with compassion and courage. After the war, his leadership expanded when he became spiritual director of a seminary and, later, in 1921, the Italian president of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, guiding missionary efforts with zeal.
In 1925, Pope Pius XI appointed him bishop and Apostolic Visitator to Bulgaria, marking the beginning of his long diplomatic service. His chosen episcopal motto, “Oboedientia et Pax” (“Obedience and Peace”), reflected the essence of his mission. Later, he was sent to Turkey and Greece, where he fostered dialogue with Orthodox Christians and Muslims, promoting mutual respect and peace.
During World War II, Archbishop Roncalli’s compassion shone brightly. Stationed in Istanbul, he used his position to save countless Jews, issuing baptismal certificates and travel documents that provided safe passage to those fleeing Nazi persecution. His actions would later be recognized as a powerful witness to Christian love in times of darkness.
In 1953, he was elevated to Cardinal and Patriarch of Venice, where his warmth and accessibility earned him immense affection. When Pope Pius XII died in 1958, the 77-year-old Roncalli was unexpectedly elected Pope, taking the name John XXIII.
Though many expected his papacy to be brief and uneventful, Pope John XXIII surprised the world. His deep pastoral concern was reflected in his encyclicals, most notably “Pacem in Terris” (Peace on Earth), which called for peace, justice, and human dignity amid Cold War tensions.
But his greatest legacy came through his bold decision to convoke the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), which he inaugurated on October 11, 1962. The Council opened the “windows of the Church,” ushering in renewal, dialogue, and engagement with the modern world a vision that continues to shape Catholic life today.
Pope John XXIII’s gentle humor, humility, and genuine love for all people earned him the nickname “Good Pope John.” His simplicity captivated both believers and non-believers, as he radiated the Gospel through his words and deeds. He often said, “See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little.”
Pope John XXIII passed away on June 3, 1963, but his legacy endures in the hearts of millions. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 3, 2000, and canonized by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, alongside Pope Saint John Paul II.
On this October 11, the Church remembers Pope Saint John XXIII not only as the initiator of a new era of renewal but as a humble shepherd who reminded the world that holiness is rooted in simplicity, compassion, and the courage to listen to the Spirit of God.
“The habit of seeing everything in a bright light,” Pope John once said, “has never failed me.” His radiant optimism continues to illuminate the Church he so lovingly served.