Pope John XIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in 1881, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1958 until his death in 1963. He is best known for initiating the Second Vatican Council, which aimed to address relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world. His papacy emphasized openness and reform within the Church. During his time as pope, John XIII was recognized for his warmth and approachability. He worked to improve the Church's relationships with other faiths, including Judaism and Eastern Orthodoxy. His efforts in promoting peace and social justice earned him respect beyond the Catholic community.