Benjamin Hebblethwaite

Giovanni Battista Montini, who became Pope Paul VI, was a significant figure in the Catholic Church, leading it from 1963 to 1978. Born in Italy in 1897, he had a long career within the Holy See, serving in the Secretariat of State for decades and acting as a key advisor to Pope Pius XII. He was appointed Archbishop of Milan and later elevated to Cardinal by Pope John XXIII. As Pope, he is credited with concluding the Second Vatican Council and overseeing the implementation of its extensive reforms. His pontificate also saw efforts to improve relations with Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches through various meetings and agreements. Paul VI was known for his devotion to Mary, issuing encyclicals and naming her Mother of the Church. He also took a notable stance against birth control in his 1968 encyclical 'Humanae vitae' and advocated for the wealthy to support the poor in developing nations. He was canonized as a saint in 2018.

Born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini in Concesio, Italy, on September 26, 1897, he hailed from a family of legal and political standing. His father was a lawyer and journalist, and his mother came from nobility. After attending Jesuit schools, Montini entered the seminary in 1916 and was ordained a priest in 1920. He pursued higher education in canon law and ecclesiastical studies, eventually entering the Secretariat of State at the young age of twenty-five. His early career was marked by his work within the Vatican's administrative and diplomatic structures, including a brief foreign posting in Poland. He also co-founded the publishing house Morcelliana, dedicated to promoting Christian culture.

Montini's career within the Roman Curia saw him rise through various significant positions. He served as an influential advisor to Pope Pius XII, holding the role of Substitute for Ordinary Affairs in the Secretariat of State, akin to a chief of staff. During World War II, he was instrumental in managing 'ordinary affairs' and also established an information office that handled millions of inquiries regarding prisoners of war and refugees. He coordinated assistance for displaced persons and refugees, with initiatives like the Pontifical Commission for Assistance providing essential aid. Documents later surfaced suggesting involvement in post-war efforts with former Nazis and American intelligence agencies, particularly concerning anti-communist activities and the facilitation of safe passage for some individuals, as well as involvement in the 1948 Italian elections.

As Pope Paul VI, he guided the Church through the post-Vatican II era. He reconvened and concluded the Second Vatican Council in 1965, then diligently worked to interpret and implement its far-reaching reforms, navigating diverse expectations within the Church. His papacy emphasized ecumenical outreach, leading to historic dialogues and agreements with Orthodox and Protestant communities. He demonstrated a particular focus on Marian devotion, visiting shrines and issuing encyclicals. A significant doctrinal moment was his declaration of Mary as the Mother of the Church. He also made history as the first reigning pontiff to leave Italy in over a century with a trip to Jordan. His opposition to artificial birth control was articulated in the 1968 encyclical 'Humanae vitae.' He called for global solidarity, urging the wealthy to aid the impoverished Third World, and described himself as a servant of suffering humanity. His life of virtue was recognized, leading to his beatification and eventual canonization.

“This form of nationalism treats foreigners as enemies, especially foreigners with whom one has common frontiers. Then one seeks the expansion of one's own country at the expense of the immediate neighbours. People grow up with a feeling of being hemmed in. Peace becomes a transient compromise between wars.”

“It is true, my service to the Pope was not limited to the political or extraordinary affairs according to Vatican language. The goodness of Pope Pius XII opened to me the opportunity to look into the thoughts, even into the soul of this great pontiff. I could quote many details how Pius XII, always using measured and moderate speech, was hiding, nay revealing a noble position of great strength and fearless courage.”

“His richly cultivated mind, his unusual capacity for thought and study led him to avoid all distractions and every unnecessary relaxation. He wished to enter fully into the history of his own afflicted time: with a deep understanding, that he was himself a part of that history. He wished to participate fully in it, to share his sufferings in his own heart and soul.”