What stories could this Giovanni XXIII Plaque tell if it could speak? The Giovanni XXIII Plaque commemorates a figure of significant importance to the Catholic Church. Let’s delve into the story of Pope John XXIII.
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in Sotto il Monte Italy. He was born on November 25 1881. He later became known as Pope John XXIII. He was the fourth of thirteen children. His family were sharecroppers.
Roncalli was ordained a priest on August 10 1904. He served in various roles including nuncio in France. Pope Pius XII made Roncalli a cardinal in 1953. This was in addition to naming him Patriarch of Venice.
Unexpectedly Roncalli was elected pope on October 28 1958. He was 76 years old. Many thought he would be a caretaker pope. However John XXIII surprised everyone. He called the Second Vatican Council. The first session opened on October 11 1962. This date is now his feast day.
John XXIII was known for his views on equality. He said we were all made in God’s image. Thus we are all Godly alike. He significantly impacted the Catholic Church. He opened it to unexpected changes at the Second Vatican Council. He also engaged with other churches and nations.
In Italian politics he stopped bishops from interfering in local elections. He helped the Christian Democracy party cooperate with the Italian Socialist Party. In international affairs his Ostpolitik engaged in dialogue with communist countries. He particularly reached out to the Eastern Orthodox churches.
John XXIII aimed to modernize the Church. He emphasized its pastoral role. He also stressed its involvement in state affairs. He increased the number of cardinals from 70 to 85. He appointed the first cardinals from Africa Japan and the Philippines. He promoted ecumenical movements. He cooperated with other Christian faiths. He ended the practice of basing social policies on old theological propositions.
Sadly John XXIII did not see the Second Vatican Council to completion. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September 1962. He died eight months later on June 3 1963.
Pope Paul VI opened his cause for canonization in 1965. John Paul II beatified him in 2000. Pope Francis declared John XXIII a saint on July 5 2013. This was based on his virtuous lifestyle. It also recognized the good from the Second Vatican Council. He was canonized with Pope John Paul II on April 27 2014. Today John XXIII is affectionately known as the Good Pope.
During World War II Roncalli helped save refugees. He mostly saved Jewish people from the Nazis. He delivered immigration certificates to Palestine. He rescued Jews with certificates of baptism. Children were able to leave Slovakia because of his help. He played an active role in gaining Catholic Church support for Israel.
As we stand before this Giovanni XXIII Plaque let’s remember his legacy. He was a man of peace equality and modernization. He left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. His efforts to promote understanding continue to inspire.