Pope St. John XXIII

Pope Saint John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (25 November 1881 – 3 June 1963), was a significant figure in 20th-century Catholicism. Elected as pope in 1958, he took the name John XXIII. He is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), a historic event that brought about significant reforms in the Catholic Church. John XXIII’s papacy emphasized openness, dialogue, and reconciliation. He sought to promote unity among Christians and improve relations with other religions. John XXIII’s warm and pastoral demeanor earned him the nickname “Good Pope John” among the faithful. He passed away on June 3, 1963, but his legacy continued through the reforms initiated at Vatican II, which aimed to make the Church more accessible and relevant to the modern world. Pope John XXIII was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2014, and his feast day is celebrated on October 11th.