Pope John XXIII issues Pacem in terris, the first encyclical addressed to all Christians instead of only Catholics.

Pope John XXIII, known in Latin as Ioannes XXIII and in Italian as Giovanni XXIII, was born Giuseppe Angelo Roncalli on November 25, 1881. His pontificate, during which he served as the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State, spanned from October 28, 1958, until his death on June 3, 1963. Born into humble circumstances, Giuseppe Angelo Roncalli was one of thirteen children in a family of sharecroppers from a small village in Lombardy, northern Italy. This upbringing undoubtedly shaped his pastoral heart and deep empathy for ordinary people.

His journey to the papacy began with his ordination to the priesthood on August 10, 1904. Over the following decades, he embarked on a distinguished ecclesiastical career, serving in various significant diplomatic roles. These included periods as an Apostolic Nuncio – a papal ambassador – in France, a historically crucial post, and as an Apostolic Delegate to Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. These international assignments provided him with extensive experience in interfaith dialogue and geopolitical dynamics, which would prove invaluable during his pontificate, particularly during the Cold War era.

An Unexpected Election and a Transformative Vision

On January 12, 1953, Pope Pius XII elevated Roncalli to the College of Cardinals in a consistory, naming him Cardinal-Priest of Santa Prisca. Concurrently, he was appointed the highly prestigious Patriarch of Venice, a role that brought him into direct pastoral leadership within a vibrant Italian archdiocese. Five years later, following the death of Pope Pius XII, Roncalli was unexpectedly elected pope on October 28, 1958. At 76 years old and after 11 ballots, his election surprised many, who largely anticipated he would be a transitional or "caretaker" pope due to his advanced age. Yet, this perception was quickly shattered.

Pope John XXIII immediately signaled his intention to bring a new spirit to the Church. In a move that truly astonished the world and the Catholic hierarchy, he announced on January 25, 1959, his intention to convene an Ecumenical Council – the Second Vatican Council (Concilio Vaticano Secondo). This historic council, which he opened on October 11, 1962, marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church. Rather than defining new dogmas or condemning heresies, its primary purpose was aggiornamento – a term meaning "bringing up to date" or "renewal." Pope John XXIII envisioned a council that would address the Church's relationship with the modern world, foster Christian unity, and deepen the faith of Catholics in a rapidly changing global landscape. Although he did not live to see its completion, the Council, which concluded in 1965, profoundly reshaped the Church's liturgy, theology, and approach to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.

A Pope of Dialogue and Modernization

Throughout his brief but impactful pontificate, Pope John XXIII delivered many passionate speeches, embodying a spirit of warmth and accessibility that earned him widespread affection. His views on human dignity and equality were famously encapsulated in his statement: "We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike." This sentiment underpinned his broader mission to open the Catholic Church to the world, fostering dialogue not only with other Christian denominations but also with other nations and even non-believers.

His influence extended significantly into both national and international affairs. In Italian politics, he took the progressive step of prohibiting bishops from interfering with local elections, thereby allowing for a more autonomous political process. He also encouraged cooperation between the traditionally Catholic-aligned Christian Democratic Party and the socialists, a significant move in the post-war Italian context. On the international stage, Pope John XXIII pioneered an initiative known as "Ostpolitik," a policy of engagement and dialogue with the communist countries of Eastern Europe during the height of the Cold War. This bold approach aimed to improve the conditions for Catholics living under communist regimes and to promote peace. He also made notable efforts to reach out to the Eastern Orthodox churches, laying crucial groundwork for future ecumenical progress. His overarching goal was to modernize the Church by emphasizing its pastoral role, recognizing its necessary involvement with affairs of state and its commitment to peace and justice.

Demonstrating his vision for a more global Church, he expanded the College of Cardinals, dropping the traditional rule of 70 members and increasing its size to 85. This expansion provided him with the opportunity to appoint the first cardinals from Africa, Japan, and the Philippines, marking a significant step towards internationalizing the Church's leadership. While he remained a traditionalist in doctrinal matters, Pope John XXIII was pragmatic in his approach to social and political issues, ending the practice of automatically formulating policies based solely on old theological propositions, instead advocating for a more nuanced and compassionate engagement with contemporary challenges.

"Pacem in Terris": A Lasting Testament to Peace

One of Pope John XXIII’s most profound and enduring contributions was the encyclical Pacem in Terris (Latin for "Peace on Earth"), issued on April 11, 1963. This landmark document, published during a period of intense Cold War tensions, particularly in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, addressed the rights and obligations of individuals and states, as well as the proper relations between nations. It was groundbreaking for being the first papal encyclical addressed not only to Catholics but "to all men of good will," reflecting Pope John's universal appeal.

Pacem in Terris powerfully emphasized human dignity, advocating for fundamental human rights and equality among all people. Notably, it specifically addressed issues such as the rights of women, nuclear non-proliferation, and the critical role of the United Nations in fostering global cooperation and peace – all of which it strongly endorsed. Published on Holy Thursday, Pope John XXIII affectionately referred to it as his "Easter gift" to the world. Diagnosed with cancer in September 1962, he passed away just two months after its completion. Biographer Peter Hebblethwaite aptly described Pacem in Terris as Pope John's "last will and testament," a final, powerful message for humanity. Its profound importance and widespread popularity are underscored by the unique fact that it is officially deposited in the archives of the United Nations.

Canonization and the "Good Pope"

Pope John XXIII did not live to see the Second Vatican Council to its conclusion, but his legacy continued to grow after his death. His cause for canonization was opened on November 18, 1965, by his successor, Pope Paul VI, who formally declared him a Servant of God. On July 5, 2013, Pope Francis took the extraordinary step of declaring John XXIII a saint, bypassing the traditionally required second miracle. This decision was made based on his profoundly virtuous and exemplary lifestyle, as well as the immense good that had flowed from his courageous decision to convene the Second Vatican Council. He was officially canonized alongside Pope John Paul II on April 27, 2014, in a historic ceremony. Today, Pope John XXIII is affectionately remembered and widely known as the Good Pope (Italian: il Papa buono), a testament to his gentle nature, profound humanity, and transformative impact on the Catholic Church and the world.

FAQs About Pope John XXIII

Who was Pope John XXIII?
Pope John XXIII, born Giuseppe Angelo Roncalli, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1958 until his death in 1963. He is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council and for his encyclical Pacem in Terris.
What was Pope John XXIII's background?
He came from very humble beginnings, born as one of thirteen children to a family of sharecroppers in a small village in Lombardy, Italy.
Why was he called "the Good Pope"?
He earned the affectionate title "the Good Pope" (il Papa buono) due to his warm, approachable, and pastoral demeanor, his deep compassion for all people, and his efforts to promote peace and understanding in the world.
What was the Second Vatican Council, and why did he call it?
The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was a historic ecumenical council called by Pope John XXIII to address the relationship between the Catholic Church and the modern world. Its purpose, known as aggiornamento, was to "bring up to date" the Church's practices and teachings to better serve contemporary society, promote Christian unity, and deepen the faith of Catholics.
What was Pacem in Terris, and what were its key messages?
Pacem in Terris (Latin for "Peace on Earth") was a landmark papal encyclical issued by Pope John XXIII in 1963. It emphasized human dignity, fundamental human rights, and equality among all people. It also addressed issues like women's rights, nuclear disarmament, and the role of the United Nations in promoting global peace and cooperation.
How did Pope John XXIII modernize the Church?
He modernized the Church by calling the Second Vatican Council for renewal, expanding the College of Cardinals to include more non-European members, promoting ecumenical dialogue with other Christian faiths, engaging in diplomacy with communist nations ("Ostpolitik"), and emphasizing the Church's pastoral role in addressing contemporary social and political issues.
How was Pope John XXIII canonized?
Pope John XXIII was canonized on April 27, 2014, by Pope Francis. Unusually, Pope Francis bypassed the traditional requirement for a second miracle after beatification, recognizing his sainthood based on his virtuous, model lifestyle and the immense good that resulted from his opening of the Second Vatican Council.