St. John XXIII (1881–1963) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli served as Pope John XXIII from 1958 to 1963 and is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council. Known as 'Good Pope John' for his warmth and humor, he transformed the papacy with his accessibility and pastoral approach. The Church celebrates St. John XXIII's feast on 10-11.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. John XXIII as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. John XXIII for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. John XXIII
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli served as Pope John XXIII from 1958 to 1963 and is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council. Known as 'Good Pope John' for his warmth and humor, he transformed the papacy with his accessibility and pastoral approach. His encyclical Pacem in Terris was addressed to all people of good will, not just Catholics.
The vocation of St. John XXIII reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. John XXIII's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Papal delegates, Christian unity
St. John XXIII is honored as the patron saint of Papal delegates, Christian unity. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Papal delegates have traditionally invoked St. John XXIII's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. John XXIII is grounded in the specific details of XXIII's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. John XXIII in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. John XXIII and seek XXIII's intercession:
On the Feast Day (10-11): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on XXIII's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate XXIII's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. John XXIII and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. John XXIII in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. XXIII, pray for us," draws XXIII's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. John XXIII can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. John XXIII. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. John XXIII
O glorious St. John XXIII, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. John XXIII as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor XXIII's memory imitate XXIII's virtues and one day share XXIII's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. John XXIII in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. John XXIII has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. John XXIII in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with XXIII's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to XXIII's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. John XXIII is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. John XXIII: He was canonized on the same day as Pope John Paul II, the first time two popes were canonized simultaneously.
When praying before an image of St. John XXIII, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.