John XXIII: The Pope of the Council and of the Rosary

The transformative pope and his Marian devotion

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, known throughout the world as Pope John XXIII, emerged in the history of the Catholic Church as an authentic renewer. Born in Sotto il Monte, Bergamo, on November 25, 1881, he led the Church during a crucial period marked by significant changes and ecumenical dialogues. His pontificate was short, from 1958 to 1963, but the depth of his impact was immense, redefining the Church’s relationship with the contemporary world.

The golden age under John XXIII: beginning the springtime of the Church

Taking up the papacy at the age of 77, John XXIII broke through the barriers of age and convention. His pontificate was characterized by a progressive vision and an inclusive approach. The decision to convoke the Second Vatican Council was a landmark, demonstrating an innovative leadership that sought to revitalize the Church and its relationship with other Christian communities and with modern society.

The impact of the Second Vatican Council

The Second Vatican Council, under the leadership of John XXIII, was not merely an event. It constituted a renewal for the Catholic Church. This Council rethought and reformulated many of the Church’s practices and doctrines, positioning it as a more open institution, adaptable to the challenges of the modern world. John XXIII believed in the need for a more inclusive and empathetic Church, a vision reflected in the Council’s decisions and documents.

John XXIII and Mariology

John XXIII’s relationship with Mariology was a pillar of his papacy. His devotion to the Virgin Mary was not merely a religious practice; it was a personal and profound bond. This spiritual connection permeated his addresses and writings, showing the importance of the Virgin Mary in his life and ministry.

Mary’s influence on the Second Vatican Council

John XXIII played a central role in weaving Mariology into the discussions and decisions of the Second Vatican Council. He insisted on the importance of discussing the figure of Mary in connection with the Church, seeking in Sacred Scripture, in the teachings of the Holy Fathers, and in the liturgy the foundations for Marian doctrine.

The Rosary: a symbol of devotion and peace

John XXIII attached great importance to the Rosary in his ministry. He saw in this devotional practice a powerful tool for meditation, spiritual growth, and world peace. His writings and encyclicals on the Rosary highlight this devotion not only as a personal practice, but as a communal act of faith and hope.

Grata recordatio: John XXIII’s call to the Rosary of Mary

In the encyclical Grata Recordatio, John XXIII expressed his profound connection with the Rosary, encouraging the clergy and the faithful to take up this practice, especially during the month of October. He emphasized the Rosary as a tool for reflection on important questions such as world peace and the memory of the Church’s leaders.

The legacy of John XXIII and devotion to Mary

The beatification of John XXIII by John Paul II in the year 2000 was a testimony to the lasting impact of his pontificate. John XXIII was more than a leader of the Church. He was a visionary who embraced the world with a heart full of compassion and a profound love for the Virgin Mary. His legacy continues to inspire and to guide the Church in its search for unity, peace, and deeper faith.

John XXIII’s devotion to Mary and to the Rosary is rooted in the Marian tradition of the Church, synthesized in the apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus (Paul VI), which consolidated the Rosary as the privileged prayer of devotion to Mary.

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Learn to pray the Rosary in our guide: How to Pray the Rosary, Step by Step.