John XXIII: A Short Biography

by Kerry Walters

His adult life was unremarkable; in his role as Papal Nuncio to France, he was considered an “affable amateur.” When he was elected pope in 1958, it was thought he would be a placeholder, someone who was easily controllable until the Curia could decide on a worthy successor. Instead, Giuseppe Roncalli, Pope John XXIII, distinguished himself by establishing a spirit of aggiornamento — “opening wide the windows of the Church”—and convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962.

Walters brings you into the life and times of Pope John XXIII, from his simple upbringing as one of fourteen children growing up on a farm in Italy, to his seminary education and formative role models, through his ministry in the Church, leading up to his election as pope in 1958. Walters then focuses on the key ways Roncalli sought to reform the Church, and shepherd it into the twenty-first century.

Walters shows that what was perceived by the hierarchy as mediocrity was indeed a deep humility that enabled the pope to truly be a model of Christian discipleship. Il Buono Papa , the Good Pope, will inspire you with his love for God, for all people, and for the Church itself. This is a book to be enjoyed and treasured as we witness the recognition given John XXIII as a saint for our times.

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2013

Reviews

[Elyse Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just wanted a quick overview - and this served its purpose. Very short - but gives you a feel for his life, his personality etc. Thanks, Kerry Walters.

[Javier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Angelo Roncalli, known to the world as Pope John XXIII is a an inspiring study of how underestimated humility can change the tide of civilization against the stubbornness of orthodoxy, and how the most important task in one's life can begin at its very end. His work as the harbinger of a new era for the Church through Vatican II, where Catholicism opened its doors and engaged a changing world, was reserved for the last four years of his life and changed the institution forever, bringing it closer to the true hands-on work of Christ.

I also wasn't aware of his very direct involvement in defusing the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and his timely intervention in staying the hand of Khrushchev may have very well saved the world from annihilation in those hot Cold War days in October.

An example of how the power of love can indeed navigate and conquer through a century of horrors.

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

a book about the pope. it's amazing how these spiritual leaders who supposedly love God so much and follow the bible can justify going directly against it. the book paints this guy as meek and an unassuming servant of the Lord. has he never read the bible? how can someone walk around and allow people to call him"father", kiss his rings, worship him, be a part of something that forbids their leaders to marry? all of these things are against the bible. he is no christian. he is a money-grubber in the name of God.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a pocket size book just in time for the canonizations. The author will be on CatholicTV's This is the Day program on Friday 4/11 to talk about his two "short biographies" on John Paul II and John XXIII. this is a great way to introduce families to saints and the canonization process.