1881 - 1963
At the death of Pius XII he was elected Pope on October 28, 1958, taking the name John XXIII. His pontificate, which lasted less than five years, presented him to the entire world as an authentic image of the Good Shepherd. Meek and gentle, enterprising and courageous, simple and active, he carried out the Christian duties of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy: visiting the imprisoned and the sick, welcoming those of every nation and faith, bestowing on all his exquisite fatherly care.
He convoked the Roman Synod, established the Commission for the Revision of the Code of Canon Law and summoned the Second Vatican Council. He regularly visited the parishes of Rome as Bishop in his Diocese of Rome, especially those in the new suburbs. The faithful saw in him a reflection of the goodness of God and called him "the good Pope". He was sustained by a profound spirit of prayer. He launched an extensive renewal of the Church, while radiating the peace of one who always trusted in the Lord.
Pope Paul VI
1897 - 1978
Closer to Sainthood With Beatification by Pope Francis
Pope Paul VI cleaned house, abolishing the pontifical court and simplifying the Curia, the Vatican’s administrative arm. Pope Francis is continuing his predecessor’s effort to reform to this day.
Paul VI also understood the importance of the arts for the church. He inaugurated the Vatican Museum's collection of modern art.
Paul VI also promoted Christian unity and ecumenical dialogue. He was the first pope to travel to Israel before the Vatican officially recognized the state, and the first pope to visit six continents during his 15-year papacy.
He is also remembered for his 1968 encyclical "Humanae Vitae" ("Of Human Life"), which reaffirmed the church's opposition to artificial birth control.
POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II
1920-2005
Pope John Paul II was born Karol J. Wojtyla on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. He was ordained a priest in 1946, became the bishop of Ombi in 1958, and became the archbishop of Krakow in 1964. He was made a cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1967, and in 1978 became the first non-Italian pope in more than 400 years. He was a vocal advocate for human rights and used his influence to effect political change. It was announced in July of 2013 that he would be declared a saint on April 27, 2014.
As the leader of the Catholic Church, he traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries to spread his message of faith and peace. But he was close to home when he faced the greatest threat to his life. In 1981, an assassin shot John Paul twice in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Fortunately, he was able to recover from his injuries and later forgave his attacker.
The official sainthood ceremony at the Vatican brought together four popes. Pope Francis led the event to elevate Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII to sainthood, which was also attended by Francis's predecessor Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.