- 11 October, 2026
Vatican City, 11 October 2026: Why is Saint John XXIII remembered as one of the most beloved popes in modern Church history? Known affectionately as the “Good Pope,” he inspired millions through his humility, kindness and commitment to peace. His decision to convene the Second Vatican Council helped shape a new chapter in the Catholic Church, encouraging renewal, Christian unity and dialogue with the modern world.
Feast Day: 11 October
Born: 25 November 1881, Sotto il Monte, Italy
Died: 3 June 1963, Vatican City
Birth Name: Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli
Known For: Convening the Second Vatican Council and promoting peace, Christian unity and pastoral care
Canonised By: Pope Francis on 27 April 2014.
Saint John XXIII was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli into a humble farming family in Sotto il Monte, near Bergamo, Italy. Raised in a deeply Catholic household, he developed a strong faith and a desire to serve the Church. He entered the seminary as a young boy and was ordained a priest in Rome on 10 August 1904.
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In his early ministry, he served as secretary to the Bishop of Bergamo, taught at the seminary and supported pastoral and charitable initiatives. During the First World War, he served first as a medical orderly and later as a military chaplain, caring for wounded soldiers and offering spiritual support in difficult circumstances.
Roncalli’s service took him beyond Italy. He worked in Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, building relationships with different Christian communities and engaging respectfully with people of other faiths. During the Second World War, while serving in Greece, he helped Jewish people escape persecution by assisting them with transit documents. In 1944, he became the Apostolic Nuncio to France.
In 1953, he was appointed Cardinal and Patriarch of Venice. His warm pastoral manner and genuine concern for ordinary people shaped his ministry and prepared him for the unexpected responsibility that lay ahead.
On 28 October 1958, at the age of 76, Roncalli was elected Pope and chose the name John XXIII. Some initially expected him to be a transitional pontiff, but his papacy soon became a turning point in Church history.
He was known for his simplicity, humour and fatherly kindness. He visited hospitals and prisons, met people from different backgrounds and encouraged the faithful to live the Gospel through mercy and service.
One of Saint John XXIII’s most significant decisions came in 1959, when he announced plans for an ecumenical council. The Second Vatican Council officially opened on 11 October 1962. Its work continued after his death, but his vision helped set the Church on a path of renewal, deeper engagement with the modern world and stronger efforts towards Christian unity.
He also published two important encyclicals: Mater et Magistra (1961), addressing social and economic questions, and Pacem in Terris (1963), a powerful appeal for peace grounded in human dignity, rights and responsibilities.
Saint John XXIII died on 3 June 1963, leaving a legacy of compassion, courage and hope. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 2000, and Pope Francis canonised him in 2014 alongside Saint John Paul II. His feast day is celebrated on 11 October, the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.
His life reminds Catholics to meet others with kindness, work for peace, remain humble in leadership and trust the Holy Spirit when facing change. He showed that gentleness and courage can work together in service of Christ.
In a world divided by conflict and misunderstanding, Saint John XXIII continues to inspire believers to build bridges rather than walls. His faith-filled leadership teaches that renewal begins with prayer, compassion and a sincere desire to recognise the dignity of every person.
Saint John XXIII, pray for us!
To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Saint John XXIII, Pope John XXIII feast day, the Good Pope, Second Vatican Council, Catholic saints of October, Pacem in Terris, Mater et Magistra, Christian unity, peace and human dignity, Catholic Church history
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