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Pope John XIII (John XIII)

Pope John XIII, born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in 1884, was the 269th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, serving from 1958 until his death in 1963. Known for his humility, diplomatic skills, and dedication to social issues, he aimed to modernize the Church and promote unity among Catholics worldwide. He called the Second Vatican Council, which led to significant reforms in Church practices and engagement with the modern world. His papacy emphasized renewal, revitalization, and compassionate leadership, making him an influential figure in 20th-century Catholic history.