St. John XXIII

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Pope John XXIII wearing a papal tiara (triregnum)

Large crowd fills St. Peter's Square as rows of Catholic bishops in white mitres process during the opening ceremonies of the Second Vatican Council in Vatican City.

Pope John XXIII is carried on a ceremonial chair beneath a canopy through a large crowd outside St. Peter's Basilica at the Second Vatican Council in Vatican City.

Photo of Saint Carlos Acutis in a Catholic church.

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At a Glance

Christ as Ruler, with the Apostles and Evangelists (represented by the beasts). The female figures are believed to be either Santa Pudenziana and Santa Praxedes or symbols of the Jewish and Gentile churches. Mosaic in the apse of Santa Pudenziana, Rome,A

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Saint John XXIII summary

St. John XXIII: Media

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How Is a Pope Elected?

How Is a Pope Elected?

Popes are elected for life. Learn about how they get the job.

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Photo of Saint Carlos Acutis in a Catholic church.

How to Become a Saint: Canonization Explained

Step one: Be Catholic.

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John XXIII

John XXIII

Pope John XXIII said the goal of his papacy was to “bring the church up to date”...

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Infographic featuring a central illustration of a pope, surrounded by labeled facts such as the total number of popes, most common papal names, oldest and youngest elected, longest and shortest reigns, number of popes made saints, official titles, and origins by country.

Pope facts

Discover fascinating facts about popes throughout the history of the Roman Catholic...

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A pyramid diagram illustrating the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, with levels from top to bottom: Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Laypeople and Consecrated Religious, each with a brief description of their roles.

Hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church

An illustration showing the levels of authority in the Roman Catholic Church, including...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Pope John XXIII wearing a papal tiara (triregnum)

Pope John XXIII wearing a papal tiara (triregnum)

Angelo Roncalli was elected pope in 1958. He chose John as his papal name, becoming...

Felici/M. Grimoldi

Large crowd fills St. Peter's Square as rows of Catholic bishops in white mitres process during the opening ceremonies of the Second Vatican Council in Vatican City.

Second Vatican Council

Council fathers processing through St. Peter's Square during the opening ceremony...

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Pope John XXIII is carried on a ceremonial chair beneath a canopy through a large crowd outside St. Peter's Basilica at the Second Vatican Council in Vatican City.

Inauguration ceremony of the Second Vatican Council

Pope John XXIII being carried on a throne to St. Peter's Basilica for the inauguration...

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Beloved pontiff

Beloved pontiff

Although John XXIII's papacy lasted only five years, the combination of his accomplishments...

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