Angelo Roncalli was born in humble circumstances in a village within the Diocese of Bergamo on 25th November 1881. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bergamo in 1904. Father Roncalli was consecrated bishop in 1925 and had a series of appointments as Papal Representative in foreign countries. In 1953 was elevated to the Sacred College by Pope Pius XII and appointed Patriarch of Venice.
Pope John is mostly remembered as the Pope who convoked the Second Vatican Council, which opened in the year 1962. John XXIII died in the following year and was buried in Saint Peter's Basilica. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000.
On a memorable Roman day, 27th April 2014, he was canonised by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Square.
On a memorable Roman day, 27th April 2014, he was canonised by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Square.
A useful summary of his life may be found here.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
Figure 2 (above)
Father Roncalli photographed during World War One with his brothers.
Figure 3 (above)
In this image, Archbishop Roncalli is received in audience by Pope Pius XII.
The contrast between a Pope and his Successor could scarcely have been greater.
Figure 4 (above)
Cardinal Roncalli in the Vatican shortly before his Election in October 1958.
At his side is his secretary Father Loris Capovilla, himself created a Cardinal in 2014 at the age of 98.
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Figure 5 (above)
The newly-elected Pope, John XXIII receiving the homage of the Cardinals
in the Sistine Chapel. Notice the canopies over the seats of the Cardinals have been lowered, excepting that seat which had been occupied by Cardinal Roncalli.
Figure 6 (above)
At the Papal Mass before his Coronation, John XXIII receives a quite word
from Monsignor Dante Prefect of Pontifical Ceremonies.
Figure 7 (above)
John XXIII taking possession of the Lateran Basilica in November 1958.
Figure 8 (above)
John XXIII wearing the triple tiara which had been presented to him
by the Faithful of his home Diocese of Bergamo, Italy.
Figure 9 (above)
Solemn Papal Mass offered in Saint Peter's Basilica
by Pope John, assisted by ministers of the Papal Court.
Figure 10 (above)
A Consistory of Cardinals held in Saint Peter's and presided over by Pope John.
A Consistory of Cardinals held in Saint Peter's and presided over by Pope John.
Figure 11 (above)
John XXIII being carried on the sede gestatoria into Saint Peter's for the
opening of the Second Vatican Council, 11th October, 1962.
Figure 12 (above)
Assisted by his ministers, John XXIII declared open the Second Vatican Council
in Saint Peter's Basilica, before the assembled Bishops of the World.
Figure 13 (above)
Pope John XXIII giving the Blessing at the conclusion of the Mass
for the Opening Day of the Second Vatican Council, 11th October, 1962.
The Pope is using the ferula or staff of Pope Pius IX, which was also used in more recent years by Pope Benedict XVI.
Figure 14 (above)
The interior of Saint Peter's
during one of the Sessions of the Second Vatican Council.
Figure 15 (above)
Pope John greeting the Faithful from the window of
the Papal Apartments at Castelgandalfo in 1963.
Figure 16 (above)
A remarkable photograph of Pope John lying-in-state
before the High Altar of Saint Peter's.
This image depicts the manner in which the Popes
were vested for burial: namely in red Mass vestments.
In addition, the Pope was buried wearing
the Papal fanon, the pallium and a cloth gold mitre.
In more recent years, only the style, not the substance of Papal burials has changed.
Figure 17 (above)
Coat of Arms of Saint John XXIII.
AMDG
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