Quotes by Pope John XXIII

Pope John XXIII (1881–1963) — Papst · Katholisch · Italien

Johannes XXIII. (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, 1881–1963) war ein italienischer Theologe und Kirchendiplomat, der von 1958 bis 1963 als Papst der römisch-katholischen Kirche in Rom wirkte. Er steht für die Einberufung des Zweiten Vatikanischen Konzils sowie den Einsatz für Frieden und Menschenrechte, stieß jedoch mit seinen Reformen bei Traditionalisten und mit seiner diplomatischen Ostpolitik bei antikommunistischen Kritikern auf Widerspruch. Für die Bibellektüre heute erinnert sein Wirken an das Anliegen, biblische Botschaften in einen offenen Dialog mit der zeitgenössischen Welt und über Konfessionsgrenzen hinweg einzubringen.

Era: The 20th Century

Recurring topics: Humility & Pride, Peace & Rest, Justice & Commitment, Growth & Character, Love, Guilt & Forgiveness, Eternity & Hope Beyond Death, Church & Congregation

Quotes by Pope John XXIII

One can become holy with a shepherd's staff in hand, but just as well with a broom.
Pope John XXIII

Let us not seek who was right or wrong, but let us reconcile.
Pope John XXIII

The end of our life will be a pause in the middle of the furrow. The Lord reserves for himself to complete our works and give them the final polish.
Pope John XXIII

Tradition means keeping the fire alive, not preserving the ashes.
Pope John XXIII

The world is vast: there are countless ways to serve the Lord. There is also one for you.
Pope John XXIII

Christian faith means: cheerfulness, inner peace, and surrender to God.
Pope John XXIII

Without a bit of holy madness, the Church cannot grow!
Pope John XXIII

Be angry with no one, but take everything good-naturedly, quite calmly. Strive to be cheerful and kind.
Pope John XXIII

I will go about all my occupations calmly, with measure, with unspeakable simplicity, as if I had come into the world for this alone, as if Jesus himself had entrusted this to me, standing before me and watching over me.
Pope John XXIII

My merit consists only in God's mercy; that alone is enough for me.
Pope John XXIII

Always to be occupied and not to suffer from haste: that is a piece of heaven on earth.
Pope John XXIII

We will come together. We will pray and deliberate. Then the Holy Spirit will be there. And then we will see.
Pope John XXIII

Above all, love, whatever it costs. For that I am glad to be taken for a fool.
Pope John XXIII

The awareness of my inadequacy keeps me in simplicity and spares me from becoming ridiculous.
Pope John XXIII

For the Christian who believes in Jesus and his good news, war is an injustice and a contradiction.
Pope John XXIII

Death is a temporary separation. We shall all be reunited again, and forever, there where it is better than here and where eternal joy will be.
Pope John XXIII

Peace begins in families and finds its first expression there. Peace requires much understanding and generosity, for even when people love each other, there is always something that displeases one or the other. That is where holy patience, the source of happiness, is needed.
Pope John XXIII

It is indifferent to me what they think or say of me, whether I reach my goal late or not at all. I must remain faithful to my good resolve at any cost: I want to be good, at all times and with everyone.
Pope John XXIII

From every point on earth we move toward heaven. But the way there is always the way of the cross.
Pope John XXIII

The greatest mysteries the Lord reveals to children, and hides them from the clever and the so-called wise of our time.
Pope John XXIII

We human beings can only endure if we reach out our hands to one another.
Pope John XXIII

God does not look at the number of my actions, but at how I carry them out.
Pope John XXIII

We should be well-disposed toward everyone... toward all, even those who do us harm or have done us harm, forgive them and also pray for them, for they may be better before God than we are.
Pope John XXIII

Before the LORD, everyone may step forward freely. Before him there are no social distinctions. To all he opens the possibility of attaining what is needed to be blessed in eternity.
Pope John XXIII

The inner calm that relies on the words of Christ and his promises produces an indestructible cheerfulness, which unfolds like a blossom in one's countenance, words, conduct, and the practice of profitable love of neighbor.
Pope John XXIII

The meaning of life is active cooperation in spreading the Kingdom of God.
Pope John XXIII

Christ's kingdom does not extend only over Catholic peoples or over those who have validly received holy baptism, but over all of humanity.
Pope John XXIII

I must remember that my duty is not only to avoid evil, but above all to do good.
Pope John XXIII

Let us think of today and leave tomorrow to the Lord!
Pope John XXIII

We must give the Lord everything, since he gave himself for us. We must be generous toward him and turn with loving zeal to those who represent him in a special way on earth: the poor, the little ones, the sick, the suffering.
Pope John XXIII

Perfection and holiness consist in returning good for evil.
Pope John XXIII

The LORD blesses in a special way the one who gives out of love for him.
Pope John XXIII

One must give time its time.
Pope John XXIII

Prayer is more effective when it is accompanied by penance.
Pope John XXIII

The reasons of the heart, too, must be examined and justified, sometimes also corrected.
Pope John XXIII

The Ten Commandments, completed by the gospel precepts of justice and love of neighbor, form the framework of individual and collective survival.
Pope John XXIII

If you stand up for truth, you stand up for brotherhood. Error and lies divide people; truth brings them together.
Pope John XXIII

It is not only important to learn the words of the Lord's Prayer, but even more to live it perfectly.
Pope John XXIII

The first requirement for lasting cheerfulness is to live at peace with the LORD, to accept his teaching, and to prove this also by deeds.
Pope John XXIII

The gift of calm and composure is especially necessary. With it, all evils can be borne with joy.
Pope John XXIII

52 quotes in total — browse the collection.

Sources: theguardian.com, archbalt.org

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