Who was Pope Saint John XXIII?
Pope Saint John XXIII: A pastor who welcomed the Church into renewal and unity. Lived 1881 to 1963. Born in Sotto il Monte, Italy. Priest, bishop, and pope. Patron of papal delegates. Called the Second Vatican Council. Saintly remembers this saint on October 11.
- Lived 1881 to 1963
- Born in Sotto il Monte, Italy
- Priest, bishop, and pope
- Patron of papal delegates
- Called the Second Vatican Council
Who was Pope Saint John XXIII?
He invited the Church to listen together. Pope John the Twenty Third lived in the twentieth century and called the Second Vatican Council. He gathered the world’s bishops to help the Church proclaim Christ faithfully and meet the people of their time.
A bold invitation grew through patient preparation. In 1959, John announced his plan for a council. Three years later, he opened it in Rome. His trust in the Holy Spirit took shape through the patient work needed to bring people together.
He learned to bring his life before God. From his youth, John kept spiritual notes and sought guidance from a priest. Prayer accompanied him through changing responsibilities. A few honest words to God can also give your day a clear direction.
He stayed close to people wounded by war. During the First World War, John served wounded soldiers as a chaplain. His priestly work brought him into hospitals and alongside suffering people. Care for the person before him belonged to his service of Christ.
He used his position to protect lives. As a Church representative in Istanbul during the Second World War, John helped Jewish people threatened by Nazi persecution. He put his connections to work for people in danger, making concern for others practical.
Respectful encounters helped him work for unity. In Bulgaria and the eastern Mediterranean, John built relationships with Orthodox Christians. He made room for personal contact across divisions. His example invites you to listen carefully when a conversation reveals real differences.
His openness was rooted in trust in God. At his canonization, Pope Francis highlighted John’s readiness to follow the Holy Spirit. The council grew from that trust. His witness invites us to pray, listen and approach others with courage and goodwill.
What can we learn from Pope Saint John XXIII today?
- Set aside five quiet minutes to bring one decision to God in prayer.
- Listen without interrupting when someone sees a matter differently.
- Offer practical help to someone facing a difficult day.
Christ, teach us to listen for your Spirit, serve people in need, and seek unity with patience. May John XXIII’s witness help us follow you today.
When is the feast day of Pope Saint John XXIII?
Saintly remembers Pope Saint John XXIII on October 11, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.
Sources
- Biography of Pope John XXIII, Holy See Press Office
- Prayer vigil on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope John XXIII(June 3, 1983) - Speech, Pope John Paul II
- Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Christian East, Edward G. Farrugia
- Giovanni XXIII (1881-1963) - Biography, The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints
- Giovanni XXIII (1881-1963) - Homily, Pope Francis
- General Audience of 4 June 2003, Pope John Paul II
- General Audience of 25 November 1981, Pope John Paul II
- Giovanni XXIII (1881-1963) - Compendium, Pope John XXIII
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