Pope John XXIII

:This article deals with the 20th-century pope. For the 14th-century antipope, see Antipope John XXIII

Legacy

Known affectionately as "Good Pope John" and "the most loved Pope in history" to many people, in 2000 John was declared "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II, the next-to-last step on the road to sainthood. Following his beatification, his body was moved from its original burial place in the grottoes below St Peter's Basilica to near the main altar, and displayed for the veneration of the faithful.

Related Topics:
2000 - Pope John Paul II - Saint - Beatification - St Peter's Basilica - Altar - Veneration

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At the time, the body was observed to be extremely well-preserved—a condition which the Church ascribes to the lack of oxygen in his sealed triple coffin rather than to any miraculous event (although it was certainly seen as such by many of the faithful). When John was moved, the original vault - which was above the floor - was removed. A new vault was built beneath the ground, and Pope John Paul II was later buried in this vault.

Related Topics:
Oxygen - Coffin - Miraculous - Pope John Paul II

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He is also honored by many Protestant organizations as a Christian reformer. Both Anglican and Lutheran denominations commemorate John XXIII as a "renewer of the church."

Related Topics:
Protestant - Anglican - Lutheran - Denominations

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