St. John XXIII
The Good Pope
"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Italy
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Priest
- Birth:
- 1881
- Feast Day:
- Oct 11
- Death:
- 1963
Saint Details
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, later known as Pope John XXIII, was born on November 25, 1881, in Sotto il Monte, Italy, to a family of sharecroppers. He was ordained a priest in 1904 and went on to serve in various roles within the Catholic Church, including as a Vatican diplomat and patriarch of Venice. In 1958, at the age of 76, he was unexpectedly elected as the Pope, taking the name John XXIII. Despite initial expectations that he would be a transitional figure, he became a pivotal leader in modernizing the Church.
Pope John XXIII is most renowned for convening the Second Vatican Council in 1962, which aimed to update the Church's teachings and practices. He also issued influential encyclicals, such as *Pacem in Terris*, emphasizing peace and social justice. His efforts to improve relations with other faiths and promote ecumenical dialogue were groundbreaking. John XXIII died on June 3, 1963, before the council's completion. He was beatified in 2000 and canonized on April 27, 2014, alongside Pope John Paul II. His legacy continues to shape the Catholic Church's approach to modernization, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.
Associated Holy Sites
Church of St John XXIII
Via Giuseppe Lucchetti Rossi, 35, 00127 Roma RM, Italy
Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
P.za. San Giovanni In Laterano, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Details for: Church of St John XXIII
The Church of St. John XXIII, located in Rome, Italy, is a significant Catholic pilgrimage site dedicated to Pope John XXIII, who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1958 to 1963. Known for his humility and efforts to modernize the Church, he was canonized as a saint in 2014. The church serves as a place of prayer and reflection for pilgrims who seek to honor his legacy and draw inspiration from his commitment to peace and unity. Its location in Rome, near the Vatican, makes it a meaningful stop for those visiting other holy sites in the city. Pilgrims often come to pray for guidance and to connect with the spirit of St. John XXIII, whose life and work continue to inspire Catholics worldwide. The church also hosts regular Masses and events that celebrate his contributions to the Church and his enduring message of compassion.
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