Pope John XXIII revolutionized the church by convening the Second Vatican Council and by speaking of the need for updating and opening the windows of the Catholic Church. His pastoral style of leadership and engagement with the world, his love of peace and social justice are all evident in these writings.

Called to holiness -- The pursuit of holiness -- "Know thyself" -- Surrender to God's will -- Holiness and the practice of virtues -- Holiness and family -- Saints can have a sense of humor (stories about Pope John) -- Transforming leadership -- Witnessing to the truth -- True leaders respect the hierarchy of values -- True leaders talk the talk and walk the walk -- True leaders stand for the common good -- True leaders discern the signs of the times -- The church in the modern world -- Seeds for a new world order -- Brotherhood and cooperation -- Rights and duties -- Order in the universe and order in human beings -- Order between men -- Peace -- Prayers and devotions -- Selected sayings.