- Profession: Pope
- Lived: November 25, 1881- June 3, 1963
- Nationality: Italian
- Known for: Instigated the historic Second Vatican Council which introduced many new reforms for the Catholic Church
- Fun Fact: John XXIII was expected to be a caretaker pope but he instead called the Second Vatican Council
- Fun Fact: He is called the "Good Pope" or "il Papa buono" today.
Pope John XXIII was born Angelo Giusepppe Roncalli and served as the Pope from 1958 until his death in 1963. His election was unexpected, and he stunned Catholics by calling the Second Vatican Council in 1962. He did not live to see the council conclude. He was known for making passionate speeches during his pontificate and had a great love of equality. He increased the traditional rule of 70 cardinals to 85 and appointed the first cardinals from Africa, Japan and the Philippines. He was canonized on April 27, 2014 by Pope Francis.
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