All peoples are invited equally to sit down at the same banquet of heavenly doctrine and to share in the life of grace that saves, sanctifies and rejoices the heart.

• Pope John XXIII

This booklet explores Angelo Roncalli’s life both before and during his pontificate as Pope John XXIII. Though his time as pope was brief it was marked by freshness and renewal, seen above all in his decision to summon the Second Vatican Council.