Good Pope (Jan XXIII)
Pope John XXIII was walking through the streets of Rome one day. Two women were following him. One of them, when she noticed him, she said to the other : "My God, how fat he is ". Then the Pope turned and said jokingly : “You know very well, that the conclave is not a beauty contest ".
You are probably curious, what Pope John XXIII was like, who had such an unusual sense of humor all his life.
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born 25. XI. 1881 r. in Sotto il Monte in the province of Ber-gamo. He came from a large farming family. His path to the priesthood was long, until 10. VIII. 1904 r. became a priest.
W 1915 r. he was called up for military service. The war had been going on for a year. At the field hospital in Bergamo, he was first a paramedic, and later a chaplain. All of them, who met him, he had kindness and a smile. He showed compassion for the injured, helping to understand the suffering. He approached them respectfully, he knew how to value every human being, because he knew, what value it has in the eyes of God. He paid no attention to it, that some doctors and officers disliked the priest. It just didn't bother him at all.
The war is over. Now he devoted his time to the youth. He had a lot of heart for her. He wanted to help her in difficult conditions. He thought about that as well, so that poor students have somewhere to live.
He was a very gifted man. That is why the Holy Father. Pius XI sent him first to Bulgaria, then to Turkey, Greece and Paris. He was the ambassador of the Holy Father. His tasks were difficult, and times were troubled. His good heart and kindness to each person opened the hearts of separated brothers for him. He was able to live in great friendship with them. They understood and loved each other. With kindness, he tried to overcome all difficulties and hostility towards the Catholic Church. And so e.g.. when he came to the governor of Constantinople, Mr.. Select, was received icy. After an hour of talking together, the situation changed completely. When Mr.. Val said on leaving : “Monsignore will feel uncomfortable with us, we are irreligious Mohammedans ", and then Fr.. Angelo replied : "I have converted the more hardened ones". This deep optimism was a feature of the future pope. Differing views were not an insurmountable obstacle for him. This is evidenced by the words, which he directed to Heriot, President of the National Assembly of France : Ha !… and what separates us? ? Our views ? You admit, it's so little !” W 1952 r. became a cardinal, and soon after the Patriarch of Venice. In his first speech to his dioceses, he said yes : “However, I would like, above all, to greet your kindness as man, who just wants to be your brother, good, accessible and understanding ". And he really was like that in his life. He always spoke with gentleness, but also with persuasive force. He was keenly interested in the life of the whole of Venice. He tried to meet all needs. Therefore, Venice did not ignore any circumstances, to show his Patriarch the most profound respect and love. W 1958 r. Pope Pius XII died, whom he had a filial love for. As a cardinal, he went to Rome, to participate in the election of a new pope. He even purchased a return ticket. However, he never returned to Venice. This is him 28. X. 1958 r. was elected pope. He took the name of John XXIII. From the first years of his pontificate, he wanted to become closely associated with the entire Christian Church. For this purpose, not long after his election, announced to the whole world the convocation of the Second Vatican Council. This spontaneous decision amazed everyone around the world, and first among the cardinals. Nobody expected that. The Pope himself spoke about it : “When I told them about my decision and saw their amazement, only then did I realize, that I started a revolution ".
The purpose of the council was to be the interior renewal of the Church. This is what the Pope called her in a conversation with an ambassador : “I look forward to fresh air for the Church. Imperial dust must be shaken off, which has piled up on the throne of Saint Peter since the time of Constantine ".
Pope John was worried about the breakdown of the Church, that has done so much damage. He was looking for a way to unity. So he invited representatives of other Christian Churches to the Council as observers, to overcome the wall of hate. In dialogue with other denominations, he put to the fore the law of Christ's love. He knew, that only she is capable of changing the climate in mutual relations. Therefore, to the Archbishop of Cambroi Guerry, when he received him at the council, pointing to the cross said yes : "That you would know, how i suffer, that so many people are convinced, that the Church condemns them. I do as he does (that is, Christ), I reach out to them and love them ". Thanks to this attitude, John XXIII overcame the resistance of the separated brothers and brought closer the day of the union of all, who love Christ. He knew, that you have to talk to others first, therefore in 1960 r. created the Secretariat for Christian Unity. Not only did he want to put the world on the path of unity. He showed something more - that the law, which will reconcile everyone, there will be justice. Therefore, it was during his pontificate that he published the encyclical Mater et Magistra (About contemporary social changes in the light of Christian science). The prosperity of some, the misery of others prevented him from being silent. Therefore, in the encyclical, he calls for a change in social relations in the name of justice and love. You need peace for that. And again in the encyclical "Peace on Earth" (Peace on Earth) points to the still emerging centers of war. That is why the Pope calls on all people of good will, regardless of religion, to universal peace, based on justice, the truth, love and freedom. For all efforts aimed at lasting peace and understanding between nations, he received the. Balzana.
Every pope is also a Roman bishop. John XXIII tried to find time for it, to be in reality. He visited parishes in his area, hospitals, prisons, scientific institutes, seminars. He took part in various liturgical services in Rome. Everywhere he brought blessing and joy. He also called a Roman synod. He personally chaired it and gave several speeches.
Pope John XXIII remained active until the last moments of his life, although his disease progressed rapidly. The news of her touched everyone, believers and non-believers, regardless of age and origin. All assurances of prayer were pouring into the capital of Christianity, about the sufferings offered in his intention. St.. Peter was filled with crowds, who waited for news of his health. The Pope offered the last moments of his life for the Council and for peace. Death 3. WE. 1963 r. she filled the whole world with deep regret. Good Pope John XXIII has passed away, but the memory of him lives on in the hearts of all people to this day.
We all call him a good father, protector of peace, a shepherd, which brought the entire Catholic Church closer to the unity of all Christian denominations.
You are certainly interested in the person of John XXIII. You can get to know her better by reading the book : L. Perception, ,,John XXIII "or from articles in the" Catholic Guide "z 1963 r.
It is worth paying attention to: The host of popes