Also
known as Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli Memorial 11 October Profile
Born to an Italian peasant family. Educated at Bergamo and the Pontifical Roman
Seminary. Ordained on 10 August 1904. Secretary to the bishop of Bergamo from
1904 to 1914, during which he wrote the basis for his five-volume biography of
Saint Charles Borromeo. Served in World War I in the medical corps, and as a chaplain.
Worked in Rome after the war, and reorganized the Society for the Propagation
of the Faith. Archbishop in 1925. Vatican diplomatic representative to Bulgaria
on 16 October 1931, then Turkey and Greece on 12 January 1935. Named papal nuncio
to France in 1944 where he mediated between conservative and socially radical
clergy. Created cardinal on 12 January 1953, and patriarch of Venice on 15 January
1953. Elected 261st pope on 28 October 1958. As pope, he stressed his own pastoral
duties as well as those of other bishops and clergy. Promoted social reforms for
workers, poor people, orphans, and the outcast. He advanced cooperation with other
faiths and traditions including Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Church of England,
and even Shinto. In April 1959, he forbade Catholics to vote for parties supporting
Communism. His encyclical Mater et Magistra of 14 July 1961
advocated social reform, assistance to underdeveloped countries, a living wage
for all workers, and support for socialist measures that promised real benefit
to society. He nearly doubled the number of cardinals, making the college the
largest in history. On 25 January 1959, he announced his intent to call a council
to consider ways to renew the Church in the modern world, promote diversity within
the unity of the Church, and consider reforms promoted by ecumenical and liturgical
movements. Convening the council, known as Vatican II, on 11 October 1962, was
the high point of his reign. His heartiness, his overflowing love for humanity
individually and collectively, and his freshness of approach to ecclesiastical
affairs made John one of the best-loved popes of modern times.
Born 25 November 1881 at Sotto il Monte, diocese of Bergamo, Italy as Angelo Giuseppe
Roncalli Papal Ascension 28 October 1958 Papal Canonizations
1959: Saint Charles of Sezze 1959: Saint Joaquina de Vedruna de Mas 1960: Saint
Gregory Barbarigo 1960: Saint John de Ribera 1961: Saint Bertilla Boscardin 1962:
Saint Anthony Pucci 1962: Saint Francis Mary of Camporosso 1962: Saint Martin
de Porres 1962: Saint Peter Julian Eymard 1963: Saint Vincent Pallotti Died
3 June 1963 at Rome, Italy of natural causes buried in Saint Peter's basilica,
Vatican City Name Meaning God is gracious; gift of
God (John) Beatified 3 September 2000 by Pope John Paul
II at Saint Peter's Square, Rome Canonized pending Patronage
papal delegates Back to Saints
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