(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: