Blessed John XXIII visits a Roman prison

(Vatican Radio) It was Christmas 1958 when in an unprecedented gesture a Roman Pontiff crossed the threshold of a Roman prison.

He was Blessed John XXIII who enhanced the pastoral dimension to the papacy in a manner never done before.

On this occasion he offered words of comfort to the astonished prisoners saying among other things: "..when you write home be sure to tell your families the pope has been to see you...".

In this programme you can also hear the testimonies of some of those who lived through that era. All of whom highlight the very human side to 'Good Pope John' as he was known at the time.

Guests such as journalist Jill Tyler who recalls the warmth of his visit to little ones in hospital, his ability to go to the people. Or like a Paulist Father who recalls growing up in the United States during this pontificate with a feeling of excitement and change reaching him all the way from Rome. Or indeed like a young Nigerian seminarian, now Cardinal, who highlights Papa Roncalli's key role in empowering the missionary church, adding how even the communists of the time were in favour of his canonisation.

Listen to this programme presented and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick: