From Angelo to John to Saint

Cardinal Roncalli was elected Pope on October 28, 1958. He was chosen by his fellow Cardinals, who hoped that he would be a transitional Pope after the long papacy of Pius XII. But little did they know that he would eventually revolutionize the Catholic Church by convening the Second Ecumenical Vatican Council, gathering all the Bishops in Rome, during which many changes were implemented—particularly the way we celebrate the Mass. People said that he attempted to open a window for a little fresh air into the Church, but he got a hurricane instead. He was a very pastoral Pope, beloved by everyone, and remembered for his practical one liners. Once he was asked how many people work in the Vatican and his quick witty response was “About half!” 

The Council was completed by his successor, Pope Paul VI. St John XXIII died on June 3, 1963 and was beatified on September 3, 2000.  He is canonized on April 27, 2014. His motto was: Obedientia et Pax (Obedience and Peace.) His liturgical Feast Day is on October 11th

Signing the Documents of Vatican II

During one of his St Peter's balcony speeches