Blessed John XXIII remembered for peace initiative

Late pontiff worked behind the scenes during Cuban Missile Crisis

Blessed Pope John XXIII was named Time Magazine's "Man of the Year," Jan. 4, 1963.
(Photo credit: Time.com) 

In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war. In the midst of this political turmoil, one man dared to speak for peace: Pope John XXIII.

The pontiff spoke in French on the responsibility of world leaders to avoid such widespread destruction, Oct. 25, 1962. His appeal was broadcast over the airwaves of Vatican Radio.

Vatican Radio recently decided to take a look back to those tense days.

Listen to the report here.