Pope John XXIII commemorated for convening Vatican II

The Catholic Church commemorates Saint John XXIII, known as the ‘Good Pope,’ on October 11. His legacy is defined by his decision to convene the Second Vatican Council in 1962, an event intended to modernize the Church and foster dialogue with the contemporary world.

Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1881, his life included service as a military chaplain during World War I and various diplomatic roles in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and France. His pontificate, though brief, was marked by a commitment to peace, most notably expressed in his encyclical ‘Pacem in terris’.

He is remembered for his warmth and accessibility, often referred to as ‘Giovanni Buono.’ His efforts to ‘open the windows’ of the Church through the Council and his focus on interfaith dialogue and social justice continue to influence the institution today.