JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-63.

JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-63.
T.L.S., with his initials, + A.[ngelo] J.[oseph] R.[oncalli], as Apostolic Nuncio, one page, 4to, Paris, 11th January 1949, to General Charles de Gaulle, in French. The carbon typed letter is Roncalli's retained copy in which he sends New Years greetings to de Gaulle, stating 'The succession of years and events does not detract from the tranquil and serene vision of your honourable person before my eyes and heart', further sending his best wishes to de Gaulle and his family, concluding 'I associate them with those I entrust to our good God for the prosperity of France'. A letter of good association. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VGCharles de Gaulle (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69.Cardinal Roncalli served as Apostolic Nuncio to France from 1944-53 and was unexpectedly elected Pope in 1958 (not least to Roncalli himself, who had come to Rome with a return tricket to Venice). He was the first Pope to take the pontificial name of John upon election in more than 500 years. Pope John XXIII called the historic Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and his passionate views on equality were summed up in his famous statement 'We were all made in God's image, and thus, we are all Godly alike'. Known in Italy as 'Il Papa Buono', the Pope of the children, John XXIII made many passionate speeches during his pontificate, one of which was on the day that he opened the Second Vatican Council in the middle of the night to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square, 'Dear children, returning home, you will find children: give your children a hug and say: This is a hug from the Pope!'