Saint John XXIII

Patron Saint of papal delegates, Christian unity, Second Vatican Council.

Feast Day: October 11th

Popes and Religious

Sotto il Monte, Bergamo, Italy

Public Domain: Pope John XXIII, 1958–1963 via Wikimedia Commons.

Feast Day: October 11th

Popes and Religious

Sotto il Monte, Bergamo, Italy

About

Saint John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1881, was known as “the Good Pope.” Coming from a humble farming family in northern Italy, he lived a life marked by humility, joy, and a deep love for people. Before becoming Pope, he served as a priest, bishop, and papal diplomat, working to build bridges of peace during times of war and division. Elected Pope in 1958 at age 76, John XXIII surprised the world with his warmth, humor, and spiritual depth. His greatest act was convening the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which opened the Church to renewal in dialogue with the modern world. He promoted Christian unity, interfaith respect, and greater involvement of the laity in the life of the Church. Saint John XXIII died in 1963, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and hope. His diary, Journal of a Soul, reveals his deep interior life and desire for holiness, making him one of the most beloved modern Popes.

Legacy

Saint John XXIII transformed the Church by calling Vatican II, one of the most significant events in modern Catholic history. His pastoral spirit emphasized mercy over judgment and engagement over isolation. He reminded the faithful that the Church is not a fortress but a mother, inviting all people to encounter Christ. Canonized by Pope Francis in 2014 alongside Pope John Paul II, Saint John XXIII continues to inspire Catholics to live with simplicity, joy, and openness to the Holy Spirit.

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.” — Saint John XXIII