Pope John XXIII

Reader's Guide

Pope John XXIII's significance lies in his unexpected decision to convene the Second Vatican Council, which transformed the Catholic Church's engagement with the modern world. He emphasized the Church's pastoral role and its involvement with affairs of state, while remaining a traditionalist in doctrinal matters. His prohibition of bishops interfering with local elections in Italy and his cooperation with the Italian Socialist Party reflected a pragmatic approach to politics. Internationally, his Ostpolitik opened dialogue with Eastern European communist countries, and he reached out to Eastern Orthodox churches. By increasing the number of cardinals and diversifying their geographic origins, he broadened the Church's global representation. His statement, 'We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike,' encapsulated his views on equality.

Did You Know?

• Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council, which modernized the Church's pastoral role and opened it to ecumenical dialogue.
• He prohibited bishops from interfering with local elections in Italy and cooperated with the Italian Socialist Party.
• His Ostpolitik opened dialogue with Eastern European communist countries and he reached out to Eastern Orthodox churches.
• He increased the number of cardinals and diversified their geographic origins to broaden the Church's global representation.
• He stated, 'We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike.'