Coronation Of Pope John XXIII. In ceremonies of ancient and medieval splendor - the like of which has rarely been seen in modern times, the triple-tiered crown of the Roman Catholic Church is conferred on Pope John XXIII - before a throng of over a quarter of a million, outside the great basilica of St. Peter's. Vast huge crowd. Clergy. Nuns. Pope on balcony. Church bells ring (picture and audio).