Pope born in Sotto il Monte, in the province of Bergamo

USPA NEWS - We went to visit the birth home of Pope John XXIII in Sotto il Monte. Today there is also an exhibition of paintings depicting the Pope. This is a very evocative visit and a pilgrimage destination. In this place, you can breathe an air of tranquility and serenity, as if during the visit you were accompanied by the Pope.

Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in Sotto il Monte, a small town in the province of Bergamo, was one of the most beloved and influential pontiffs of the 20th century Catholic Church. Born on November 25, 1881, to a peasant family, Angelo Roncalli showed deep devotion and great faith from a young age. After embarking on ecclesiastical studies, he was ordained a priest in 1904 and later dedicated himself to a ecclesiastical career, holding various positions within the Church.

His election to the papacy came in 1958 when he was called to succeed Pius XII with the name John XXIII. During his pontificate, John XXIII was a protagonist of important reforms and changes within the Church, including the convening of the Second Vatican Council, an event that revolutionized the life of the Church and its relations with the modern world.

Pope John XXIII was admired for his humility, his openness, and his ability to communicate with everyone, regardless of their faith or background. His famous encyclical "Pacem in Terris" was an important document for the promotion of peace and justice in the world.

After his death in 1963, John XXIII was proclaimed a saint by the Catholic Church in 2014, in recognition of his commitment to the common good and the spread of gospel values. In conclusion, Pope John XXIII, born in Sotto il Monte, in the province of Bergamo, has left an indelible mark on the history of the Church and the world, thanks to his charismatic leadership, openness to dialogue, and ability to inspire millions of people worldwide.