Which Catholic saint, born Angelo Roncalli, became known as the Good Pope?

Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Roncalli, became known as the Good Pope.

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in 1881 in Sotto il Monte, Italy. He was ordained a priest in 1904 and served as a papal diplomat, apostolic delegate, and patriarch of Venice before being elected pope in 1958. He chose the name John XXIII and served until his death in 1963.

His most consequential act was convening the Second Vatican Council, which opened in 1962. The council continued after his death and produced major changes in Catholic worship, relations with other Christians, and the Church’s engagement with the modern world.

John XXIII was admired for his warmth and pastoral style, leading to the nickname “the Good Pope.” Pope Francis canonized him in 2014 together with Pope John Paul II. John XXIII is distinct from the short-reigning John Paul I, who was elected later in 1978.