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Journal of a Soul: The Autobiography of Pope John XXIII

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While I am not a Roman Catholic, I have always been interested in the history and politics of the Holy See and the Popes. It is fascinating that John XXIII, in his short tenure as Pope, appears today to have influenced the world of his faith more than either his predecessor, Pius (Pacelli), or his successor, Paul (Montini). These were both highly political leaders with failings common to all politicians, religious or secular.

John XXIII had no political axe to grind. By his very nature and the fact that he was expected to be a 'caretaker' he was uniquely able to bring his church into the twentieth century. Some have alleged that through his actions he may have saved the Catholic church for the twenty-first.

This is a unique book, for it demonstrates a man of humility without excessive self-righteousness. His love for God and for his fellow man are demonstrated in equal measure. As some have said of John Paul II, John XXIII 'humanized' the papacy. That he was able to do this without diminishing the authority of his office was part of his genius.

As a previous reviewer noted, I agree that John's work in areas not dominated by Roman Catholics appears to have widened his world, perhaps laying the groundwork for his later ecuminical progress.

This is a memoir that doesn't require one to be a Roman Catholic to enjoy, and to admire. Holiness through living rather than platitudes. Very highly recommended to anyone!

It was extremely enlightening to discover how one of the seminal religious figures of the 20th century came to be the person he was. He was, after all, installed as a "caretaker pope" at the age of 77. Instead of being a caretaker he substantially reformed the Roman Catholic Church. His journal describes how he evolved from a devout religious young man from a peasant background to a leader in the ecumenical movement. We learn how being a bishop for Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece (where there are few Roman Catholics) enlarged his view toward other traditions. Additionally we find how he was surprised when he came up with the idea of the Second Vatican Council. I found this book very uplifting. Change can happen, and can happen unexpectedly.

This is a fascinating and even inspiring glimpse into the heart and soul of a man who very seriously sought to do the will of God. It is a remarkably personal testament from somebody who rose to preside over the Church of Rome -- a document that, at least in my experience, has few modern parallels. One doesn't have to be Catholic (I'm a Mormon) to admire his integrity, to learn and profit a great deal from an outstanding man's honest struggles to discern and carry out what he regarded as divine purpose, and from the manner in which he grew over a long and notable ministry.

"Journal of A Soul" . . . even the title of this volume is evocative of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower (her autobiography is titled "The Story of A Soul"). It is appropriate this this "great man" was at the same time such a "humble" man . . . like Saint Therese's "little ones living the little way" (in fact Pope John XXIII (Angelo Roncalli) was a soul devoted to Saint Therese).

This journal or "diary" written by Angel Roncalli chronicles his life . . from youth until just before his passing . .from a student . .to Vativcan diplomat . . . to "Pope". It is not a simple recounting of biographical events . . . but give us John XXIII's thoughts as to how and why he lived these events . . .the spiritual judgements which guided him along his journey. . .

Pope John XXIII always remained faithful to the spirit of God and His guidance and direction . . . yes, he grew in spirit and evolved . . and yet always remained consistently "the same person". He never lived a pretense . . . he was who and what he was . . . andc he presented that face to the world in all honesty and humility. . . . and he was accepted by so many because of this straitforwardness . . he was loved . . . by catholics and non-catholics alike. He opened doors, not just the "aggiornomento" of the church . . . but he opened doors of people's hearts, not just to him . . .but to each other.

There would have been no "Vatican Council II" without his initiative and spirit to set it on its course. The sixties were also a time of "loosening" and "opening windows" everywhere . . . there may not have been a 'sixties" as we know them had there not come into the fore Pope John XXIII. So much of our open debate and discussion in religious and ecclesial and even "spiritual" matters flows from the open windows this man threw wide to let in "fresh air". . . and the air still blows in those windows to help keep our own heads clear.

This is "the book' to read if you want to know "the man" in his own thoughts. . . in his own prayers . . in his own written words. . . . a truly good book from a truly good man.

In the most intimate words, recalling events of the day in diary form, here is a look into the Soul of Blessed John XXlll. Reading through the pages of the book cannot help but touch your soul as well as your mind! From a teen in Sotto Il Monte through his Pontificate, a most tender selection of joy, trust, sorrow, pain, and hope are shared here. His uncompromising adoration and devotion to Jesus, the Gospels and the Church come through not by preaching about it, but rather through the way he lived, and prayed. Devout from his youth, and fiercly loyal to his convictions, that's the example of his life. He embodied the forgiving aspect of Christ, and lived it... and so much more was our Blessed John. While this was never written with the intention of one day becoming the autobiography of a Great Pontiff, it was taken from bits and pieces of scrap paper, papers of differing sizes, notebooks, etc., which Blessed John kept from the time he began writing his diary at about age 14. Reading these selections can only make your heart swell with affection, gratitude and love for this gentle giant of our times. No, he was not just a "poor" "good" Pope, he was a kind, loving, and brilliant Prince of the Church, who was never tainted or taken far from his humble roots. I've found that no matter what words I call up in an effort to describe our Beloved John, only through the reading of this profound work of the heart and soul will you begin to approach the feeling that no words can quite conjure up. This is a gem in my library, and Blessed John remains even more Beloved than I thought possible!

This is an excellent book on the mind & insight of Pope John XX111.....well worth a read for anyone trying to find a way to holiness amidst the hustle & bustle of the modern world....a breath of fresh air, beautifully written.

This book is a collection of ideas written in a journal, a spiritual practice or exercise, as it were. This is not a book of profound essays nor a set of directions for imitation along the spiritual journey. This is a private collection of one man's response to grace as he returned by grace to God. I first read this book forty-five years ago when it was a "hot item;" and I just finished rereading it. This time it was even more encouraging and uplifting than the first.

Each division is not equal to others. Some are very deep, and stir the faith of the reader. Angelo Roncalli becomes a companion on the journey that invites all of us in Christian discipleship. One has the feeling that one is reading the private musings of a friend as he struggles through life and meets the challenges of faith, hope, and ecstatic love. This is the unfolding of Angelo, later known to the world as Blessed John XXIII, in a kind of holy nakedness as we are allowed to see his imperfections along with his great love for the Triune God who gives meaning to his life from the earliest days to the final breath.

The reader notices that the transformation of the man is subtle. In fact, near the end he is yet struggling with many of the imperfections which bothered him as a very young man. One can infer that growth in God and expansion in love for others is not a matter of climbing a latter, but of taking a circular path on Faith Road. Papa Roncalli may not have conquered all his faults, nor reached the lofty outcomes of his own jottings, but he became a great contemplative lover of other people, even the whole world, through his perpetual love of God. As any good Dominican would note, he was a contemplative who shared the fruit of his contemplation with others throughout his dynamic life.

Much of what is revealed in the journal is as contemporary as can be. In 1902 he wrote:"I must desire, not to be what I am not, but to be very truly what I really am." This is at least a half century before popular spiritual writers were bespeaking the idea of the true self, as opposed to the false self. Modern writers suggest we write a little rule of life for our journey: Angelo was way ahead in this exercise. I suggest a devout reader looking for guidance in the spiritual life, skip some parts or not spend too much time in sections that seem unconnected to modern life, but to find the Goodness, Beauty and Truth in those segments that speak especially to you. In my opinion, this is a great book.

THOMAS PATRICK HULL/ Chicago

WONDERFUL reveal of a Pope for so short a time, how he changed the World of the Roman Catholic Church connecting humanity globally, while he was still a young boy- following his Soul-messages.

Pope John XXIII's story in his own words. The journal format provides a wonderful opportunity for the reader to get a glimpse inside the mind of this pope at different stages throughout his life. Very inspirational reading.

Really a journal of a Soul.
The most important contribution and message to mankind: words and the heart could do more for every one of us than threats and war.