John Paul II / John XXIII
Join in the celebration of two new saints
As the Catholic Church prepares to canonize Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, CatholicPhilly.com presents insights into the lives of the two holy men who will be declared saints Sunday, April 27 at the Vatican. See our complete package of biographical information, the recollection of a Philadelphia priest, assessments of the saintly popes’ legacies, plus photos and more. The Mass and festivities will be broadcast in English live at Salt + Light Media beginning 3:30 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday, and repeated at 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., and at 2 a.m. April 28 (all times Eastern). See more from Salt + Light here.
What’s in a pope’s name? Plenty
From St. Peter to Pope Francis, we trace the history of papal names. Some popes have been declared saints and others might someday be.
Remembering two men, two popes, two great saints
In his weekly column, Archbishop Charles Chaput reflects on the lives of the soon-to-be-canonized Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, and prays we will learn from their witness and carry their discipleship forward in our own lives.
Short pontificate, long impact: Blessed John XXIII launched reforms
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although he served as pope for less than five years, Blessed John XXIII left one of the most lasting legacies in the Catholic Church’s history by convening the Second Vatican Council. A plump, elderly, smiling Italian of peasant origins, the future pope had an illustrious career as a papal diplomat in Bulgaria, Turkey […]
Days in the life of Pope John XXIII
See a graphic timeline of the significant moments in soon-to-be St. John XXIII’s life.
Canonization spurs memories of Philadelphia priest who knew Pope John XXIII
Msgr. John Miller, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Philadelphia, was a young seminarian in Rome at the time of Cardinal Angelo Roncalli’s election as pope. The enthusiasm surrounding Pope Francis today reminds the priest of John’s popularity years ago.
For Blessed John XXIII, calling Vatican II was an act of faith
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Blessed John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council in the conviction that it was necessary for the Catholic Church, yet without pre-conceived ideas of what it would accomplish, said Vatican II participants who recalled the event half a century later.
Blessed John Paul brought moral force, intellect, flair to world stage
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Blessed John Paul II, who will be canonized April 27, was one of the most forceful moral leaders of the modern age.
Days in the life of Pope John Paul II
See a graphic timeline of the significant moments in soon-to-be St. John Paul II’s life.
Many of today’s papal ‘traditions’ were Blessed John Paul’s innovations
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The first anniversary of Pope Francis' election brought stories highlighting the unique style he has brought to the papacy. Maybe people have forgotten how much of what passes today for papal "tradition" was actually an innovation of Pope John Paul II.