John XIII; Arms Wide Open

A good spirit walked this earth, changed the church, rejuvenated it and spread love in a world ravaged by war.

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli; the son of a modest Italian family who lived in the village of Lombardy, north of Italy, turned out to be the “Good Pope” or in other words John XXIII when he was elected high Pontiff at the age of 77.

The “transitory” pope shook the world by launching the second Vatican Council, which opened up the church and accepted differences. His memory remains that of a veteran diplomat and a humble, jolly priest.

Despite his penchant for conservatism, John XXIII started his diplomatic endeavors when he was elected as bishop and examined catholic and Islamic questions after being appointed as Apostolic Delegate to Turkey. He called for the Ecumenical Council, less than ninety years following the first Vatican Council; a clear message meaning to open dialogue with all non-Christian religions.

John XXIII shall be canonized on the same date with the pope who beatified him in 2000.

John XXIII is said to have left the Church with arm wide open, embracing the world in unity for he had said: “We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike.”