Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on 25 November 1881 in Sotto il Monte, Italy, and died on 3 June 1963, is best known for being a charismatic pontiff and reformer of the Catholic Church. Here is a summary of his life and pontificate:
Youth and formation:
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born into a modest rural Italian family. He grew up in a religious atmosphere and showed an early vocation to the priesthood. After studying at the seminary, he was ordained a priest in 1904.
Diplomatic career:
Roncalli quickly showed diplomatic talent, which led him to work in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. He was sent to Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, developing crucial diplomatic skills.
Bishopric:
In 1925, he was appointed titular archbishop of Achrida and apostolic nuncio to Bulgaria. Later, he was also nuncio to Turkey and Greece. His diplomatic work led him to develop a deep understanding of relations between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches.
Cardinalate:
In 1953, he was appointed cardinal by Pope Pius XII and became Patriarch of Venice. There, he became known for his warm pastoral style and closeness to the people.
Election to the pontificate:
After the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958, Roncalli was elected Pope and took the name John XXIII. His election came as a surprise, as a short pontificate was expected due to his advanced age.
The Second Vatican Council:
The pontificate of John XXIII is most famous for the convening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, an event that marked a major turning point in the history of the Catholic Church. The Council aimed to modernise and reform the Church, open dialogue with the modern world and promote ecumenism. The reforms put in place at the Council had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church.
Death and legacy:
Unfortunately, John XXIII did not live to see the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. He died on 3 June 1963 at the age of 81. His relatively short pontificate nevertheless left a profound mark on the Catholic Church, paving the way for an era of reform and renewal within the Church.
Pope John XXIII was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and canonised by Pope Francis in 2014. He is revered for his pastoral vision, his humility and his desire to modernise the Church while maintaining its fundamental teachings.
