Meaning: The quote "Born poor, but of honored and humble people, I am particularly proud to die poor" is attributed to Pope John XXIII, who served as the 261st pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1958 until his death in 1963. This quote reflects the humility and dedication to service that characterized Pope John XXIII's papacy.

Pope John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, came from a humble background. He was born in Sotto il Monte, a small village in the Lombardy region of Italy, in 1881. His family lived a modest and simple life, and their values of humility, honesty, and hard work undoubtedly left a lasting impression on him. Despite his upbringing in poverty, Pope John XXIII was deeply proud of his roots and the values instilled in him by his family and community.

The quote expresses Pope John XXIII's embrace of poverty as a virtue rather than a burden. In the context of his papacy, it reflects his commitment to a life of simplicity and service to others. Throughout his tenure as pope, he emphasized the importance of social justice, human rights, and the alleviation of poverty. He sought to lead by example, eschewing the trappings of wealth and privilege in favor of a modest lifestyle that reflected his empathy for the less fortunate.

Pope John XXIII's dedication to addressing social and economic inequality was exemplified in his encyclical "Pacem in Terris" (Peace on Earth), in which he called for the recognition of the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status. He advocated for solidarity and compassion towards those who were marginalized or oppressed, embodying the principles of social justice and the preferential option for the poor.

The quote also underscores Pope John XXIII's humility and detachment from material possessions. He viewed his own poverty not as a source of shame, but as a source of pride. His humility and lack of attachment to worldly wealth served as a powerful example to others, inspiring a renewed focus on the spiritual and moral dimensions of human existence.

Pope John XXIII's legacy extends beyond his personal humility and commitment to poverty. He is perhaps best known for convening the historic Second Vatican Council, which sought to renew and reform the Catholic Church in response to the challenges of the modern world. The council's proceedings, which took place from 1962 to 1965, led to significant changes in the Church's approach to ecumenism, liturgy, and social justice.

In sum, the quote attributed to Pope John XXIII reflects his deep-seated values of humility, service, and solidarity with the poor and marginalized. It encapsulates his profound belief in the dignity of every human being and his unwavering commitment to addressing the social and economic injustices of his time. Pope John XXIII's example continues to inspire individuals and communities to embrace simplicity, compassion, and a preferential option for the poor in their own lives and in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Overall, Pope John XXIII's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of humility, service, and social justice in our world today.