.jpg)
On 21st June, 1963, GIOVANNI BATTISTA MONTINI, Cardinal-Archbishop of Milan,
was elected Pope by the College of Cardinals and took the name Paul VI. Unlike his immediate predecessor, John XXIII, the election of Cardinal Montini was completely expected, since he had been prominent in Rome and Internationally for many years.
Giovanni Battista Montini was born was born in the village of Concesio, in the province of Brescia, on 26th September 1897. He was ordained a priest in Brescia in 1920, but undertook studies whilst working in the Papal Secretariat of State from 1922. He continued in this work throughout the 1920's and 1930's, but when Cardinal Pacelli was Elected as Pope in 1939, Monsignor Montini became one of his closest associates. In 1954, Pius XII appointed Monsignor Montini as Archbishop of Milan. Pope John XXIII elevated Monsignor Montini to the Sacred College of Cardinals in 1958.
was elected Pope by the College of Cardinals and took the name Paul VI. Unlike his immediate predecessor, John XXIII, the election of Cardinal Montini was completely expected, since he had been prominent in Rome and Internationally for many years.
Giovanni Battista Montini was born was born in the village of Concesio, in the province of Brescia, on 26th September 1897. He was ordained a priest in Brescia in 1920, but undertook studies whilst working in the Papal Secretariat of State from 1922. He continued in this work throughout the 1920's and 1930's, but when Cardinal Pacelli was Elected as Pope in 1939, Monsignor Montini became one of his closest associates. In 1954, Pius XII appointed Monsignor Montini as Archbishop of Milan. Pope John XXIII elevated Monsignor Montini to the Sacred College of Cardinals in 1958.
Pope Paul VI's Pontificate spanned the years of the Second Vatican Council and the troubled years which followed it. He was the first Pope in modern times to travel outside of Italy, visiting the Holy Lands, South America, Africa, Oceania and the United States. He died on 6th August, 1978 at the age of 80 and is buried in the crypt of Saint Peter's Basilica.
On Sunday 19th October, 2014, before a large concourse of the Faithful in Saint Peter's Square and in the presence of Benedict XVI, the College of Cardinals and representatives of bishops worldwide, Pope Paul was beatified by his successor Pope Francis.
Today, 14th October 2018, the same Bishop of Rome declared Pope Paul VI a saint, together with others of the beati.
An attempt to present a balanced account of his not uncontroversial life and work can be found here.
At this time of disturbance and discouragement in Holy Mother Church, we might well turn to Saint Paul VI to bring peace and right-teaching in the midst of confusion.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.
 |
| The newly-elected Pope Paul VI receiving the Homage of the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, 21st June 1963. |
 |
| The newly-elected Pope Paul VI receiving the Homage of the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, 21st June 1963. |
 |
| The scene in S' Peter's Square on the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul in 1963 when Paul VI was crowned Pope. |
 |
| The scene in S' Peter's Square on the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul in 1963 when Paul VI was crowned Pope. |
 |
| The scene in S' Peter's Square on the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul in 1963 when Paul VI was crowned Pope. |
 |
| Paul VI at the Cathedra shortly after the moment of his Coronation, 29th June 1963. This much-commented on triple tiara was made of aluminium and gold and was a gift of the Archdiocese of Milan. |
 |
| Paul VI at the Cathedra shortly after the moment of his Coronation, 29th June 1963. |
 |
| Preparing incense during the Solemn Papal Mass of Coronation celebrated in S' Peter's Square, 29th June 1963. This was the first time that a Pope had celebrated Mass in the Square. Note the array of mitres and triple tiaras resting on the Altar. |
 |
| Coronation medal of Pope Paul VI. |
