This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Paul VI is revered for courageously guiding the completion and implementation of the Second Vatican Council, modernizing the Church while upholding its perennial teachings amidst a rapidly changing world.
Saint Paul VI, born Giovanni Battista Montini, served as Pope from 1963 to 1978, during which he became primarily known for bringing the monumental Second Vatican Council to its conclusion and actively implementing its reforms. His pontificate was marked by extensive travels, making him the first pontiff to visit numerous countries across all five continents, fostering global dialogue and promoting peace. He navigated the Church through a period of immense social and cultural upheaval, issuing significant encyclicals like *Humanae Vitae*, which affirmed traditional teachings on life and family, and initiating critical liturgical and administrative reforms, thus shaping the contemporary face of the global Church.
Giovanni Battista Montini, who would later become Saint Paul VI, was born on September 26, 1897, in Concesio, a small town near Brescia, Italy. His family was deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and public service; his father, Giorgio Montini, was a lawyer, journalist, and member of the Italian Parliament, while his mother, Giuditta Alghisi, instilled in him a profound sense of faith. From an early age, Giovanni Battista's delicate health often kept him from attending formal schooling, leading him to receive much of his early education at home. Despite these challenges, he pursued his ecclesiastical studies at the seminary in Brescia, demonstrating an exceptional intellect and spiritual depth, which led to his ordination to the priesthood on May 29, 1920. Following his ordination, he continued his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the University of Rome La Sapienza, and the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, preparing him for a life of service within the Church's diplomatic corps. His intellectual formation and spiritual earnestness laid the groundwork for his future leadership.
In 1922, Father Montini began his distinguished career within the Vatican Secretariat of State, serving under Cardinal Pietro Gasparri and later under Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who would become Pope Pius XII. His astute mind and meticulous work ethic quickly made him an invaluable asset, and he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Undersecretary of State. During World War II, he played a crucial, though often behind-the-scenes, role in the Holy See's efforts to provide humanitarian aid, assist refugees, and offer solace to prisoners of war. His close collaboration with Pope Pius XII fostered a deep understanding of the global Church and its complex relationship with the modern world. This period in the Roman Curia honed his diplomatic skills, broadened his international perspective, and solidified his reputation as a thoughtful and deeply spiritual churchman, dedicated to the universal mission of the papacy.
Despite his success in the Vatican Curia, Pope Pius XII appointed Montini as Archbishop of Milan in 1954, a move that shifted him from the diplomatic sphere to direct pastoral ministry. This was a significant and challenging assignment, as Milan was then Italy's largest archdiocese, grappling with the complexities of industrialization, labor movements, and growing secularization. Archbishop Montini embraced this role with vigor, focusing on social justice, evangelization, and fostering a vibrant Catholic presence in a rapidly changing urban environment. He dedicated himself to understanding the challenges faced by workers and families, often visiting factories and engaging directly with the faithful. His pastoral experience in Milan proved invaluable, providing him with a profound understanding of the practical realities of Church life and preparing him for the immense responsibilities he would soon undertake. Four years later, in 1958, Pope John XXIII elevated him to the College of Cardinals.
Following the death of Pope John XXIII in 1963, Cardinal Montini was elected his successor on June 21, taking the name Paul VI. His pontificate began at a pivotal moment in Church history, with the Second Vatican Council already underway. One of his most significant decisions was to continue the Council, which he then meticulously guided to its conclusion in 1965. Pope Paul VI skillfully navigated the diverse theological currents and pastoral concerns of the Council Fathers, ensuring the promulgation of its sixteen groundbreaking documents, including *Lumen Gentium* (on the Church), *Gaudium et Spes* (on the Church in the Modern World), and *Dei Verbum* (on Divine Revelation). He emphasized the importance of collegiality among bishops and the need for the Church to engage with the contemporary world while remaining faithful to its foundational truths. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the Council's final outcomes and ensuring its enduring impact on the life of the Church.
Upon the Council's conclusion, Pope Paul VI dedicated his pontificate to the challenging task of implementing its reforms and promoting its spirit throughout the universal Church. He initiated significant liturgical reforms, leading to the revision of the Roman Missal and the widespread use of vernacular languages in the Mass, making the liturgy more accessible to the faithful. He reformed the Roman Curia, created the Synod of Bishops to foster greater collegiality, and established new dicasteries to address contemporary issues. A true pioneer, he became the first Pope to travel extensively outside Italy, undertaking historic pilgrimages to the Holy Land (1964), India (1964), the United Nations in New York (1965), Africa (1969), and Asia (1970). These unprecedented journeys underscored his commitment to global evangelization, ecumenism, and peace, symbolized by his meeting with Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras I in Jerusalem, which led to the lifting of mutual excommunications that had lasted for centuries.
Pope Paul VI's pontificate, however, was not without its trials. He faced immense pressure from both traditionalist and progressive factions within the Church, as well as the tumultuous cultural and social changes of the 1960s and 1970s. His 1968 encyclical *Humanae Vitae*, which reaffirmed the Church's traditional teaching on contraception, sparked widespread controversy but exemplified his steadfast commitment to upholding perennial moral truths amidst a changing world. Despite the criticisms and challenges, he remained a tireless pastor, guiding the Church with courage, intellectual rigor, and profound spiritual depth. He died on August 6, 1978, leaving behind a legacy as the 'Pope of Dialogue' and the 'Pope of Modernity.' His beatification by Pope Francis in 2014 and subsequent canonization in 2018 recognized his heroic virtues and his immense contribution to steering the Bark of Peter through a period of profound transformation, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in the history of the Catholic Church.
On October 4, 1965, the world held its breath as Pope Paul VI embarked on a journey unprecedented for a Roman Pontiff: a visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The air crackled with anticipation, for never before had a Successor of Peter flown across the Atlantic, nor stood before the assembly of nations to address the world. It was a bold move, characteristic of a Pope deeply committed to peace and dialogue in a world fraught with Cold War tensions and burgeoning conflicts. As the papal plane, a TWA jet named 'Shepherd One,' touched down, a sense of history permeated the very atmosphere. He was met with immense fanfare and genuine curiosity, not just from the faithful, but from leaders and citizens across the globe.
Stepping onto the hallowed ground of the United Nations, Pope Paul VI, a figure often perceived as reserved, transformed into a prophetic voice. Before the assembled delegates, representing humanity's hopes and divisions, he delivered a powerful address that resonated far beyond the walls of the General Assembly. His words were a fervent plea for peace, disarmament, and human dignity. With profound conviction, he declared, 'No more war, war never again!' The phrase, simple yet profound, became an instant rallying cry, echoing his deep desire for humanity to turn away from violence and embrace fraternity. He spoke not as a political leader, but as a spiritual father, urging nations to recognize their shared humanity and the imperative of collective action for the common good.
This dramatic moment at the UN was a profound revelation of Saint Paul VI's character and faith. It showcased his profound courage to step onto the global stage, breaking centuries of papal tradition, to personally advocate for peace and justice. It demonstrated his conviction that the Church, far from being confined to its sacred spaces, had a vital role to play in the temporal affairs of humanity, serving as a moral compass and a voice for the voiceless. His willingness to engage with the world, to meet its leaders and its challenges head-on, underscored his vision for a Church that was truly 'of the modern world,' yet steadfast in its eternal mission. Through this singular act, Paul VI solidified his legacy as the 'Pope of Dialogue,' a man whose profound faith compelled him to seek unity and peace for all peoples.
December 8, 1975
18. The Good News proclaimed by the witness of life sooner or later has to be proclaimed by the living word. There is no true evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the Kingdom and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, are not proclaimed. The history of the Church, from the discourse of Peter on the morning of Pentecost onwards, has been intermingled and identified with the history of this proclamation. At every phase of human history, the Church has felt the need to proclaim, with a fresh enthusiasm and a renewed method, the great deeds of the Lord and the mystery of Jesus Christ. All proclamation of salvation in Christ must be at the same time a proclamation of liberation from everything that oppresses man, but also a proclamation of the liberation of man from himself. The Church proclaims liberation from sin, from the evil one, from the oppression of injustice, from the fear of death, and from all that prevents man from being truly free. The Church also proclaims a liberation that is integral, extending to all dimensions of human existence, including the social and political, but always with a spiritual and transcendent dimension. The ultimate goal of this liberation is not merely earthly well-being but the eternal salvation of man. It is a liberation which is rooted in the redemption wrought by Christ, and which therefore transforms the human person from within, enabling him to live a new life in communion with God and with his fellow men.
19. We do not hesitate to say that all the evangelizing activity of the Church is directed towards this fullness of liberation. But it is important to clarify that this liberation is not to be confused with political liberation, nor with economic or social liberation, nor with cultural liberation, even though these enter into it. It is an integral liberation, which embraces the whole person in all his dimensions, including his spiritual dimension. It is a liberation from sin and from the evil one, which is the root of all forms of slavery. It is a liberation which enables man to achieve his true destiny as a child of God. The Church, in proclaiming this liberation, is not entering into the political arena, but rather fulfilling its mission of evangelization, which has a profound impact on the human condition. The Church's mission is to announce salvation in Jesus Christ, and this salvation includes the liberation of man from all forms of oppression, both internal and external. The Church, therefore, cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of humanity, but must always be a voice for justice and peace.
20. The evangelizing message is therefore addressed to man in his totality. It is a message of hope, of renewal, of liberation and of salvation. It is a message that calls for conversion, for a change of heart and life. It is a message that invites man to enter into communion with God and with his brethren. The proclamation of the Kingdom of God is at the very center of this message. Jesus himself inaugurated the Kingdom, and by his death and resurrection, he brought it to its definitive fulfillment. The Church continues to proclaim this Kingdom, which is already present among us, but which is still to come in its fullness. The Kingdom is not an ideology or a political program, but a reality that is established by God's grace in the hearts of men. It is a Kingdom of justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The Church is the seed and beginning of this Kingdom, and it is called to be its instrument in the world.
21. The Kingdom of God is brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit, who transforms hearts and renews the face of the earth. The Holy Spirit is the principal agent of evangelization. It is he who moves the evangelizer to proclaim the Gospel, and it is he who opens the hearts of those who hear it. The Holy Spirit is also the one who builds up the Church, sanctifies it, and guides it in its mission. Without the Holy Spirit, evangelization would be impossible. The Church, therefore, must always be open to the action of the Holy Spirit, and must allow itself to be guided by him in all its evangelizing activity. The Holy Spirit enables the Church to discern the signs of the times and to respond to the challenges of the modern world with renewed zeal and creativity. The Holy Spirit is the source of all charisms and ministries in the Church, and it is he who unites all the faithful in one body in Christ.
22. This Kingdom of God cannot be detached from Christ, who proclaimed it, worked for it and made it come about. In Christ, all things are reconciled and brought to their fullness. The proclamation of the Kingdom is therefore inseparable from the proclamation of the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. To evangelize is to proclaim Jesus Christ and his saving mystery, that is to say, his Incarnation, his death, and his Resurrection. It is to proclaim that in him, man is reconciled with God and with his fellow men. It is to proclaim that in him, man finds the fullness of life and salvation. The evangelizer, therefore, must always keep Christ at the center of his proclamation, for it is in Christ that the Kingdom of God is made present and accessible to all.
23. The evangelization that the Church carries out is a complex process made up of varied elements: the renewal of humanity, witness, explicit proclamation, adherence of heart, entry into the community, acceptance of signs, apostolic initiative. These elements may appear to be contradictory, indeed mutually exclusive, but in reality they are complementary and mutually enriching. They are all necessary for a complete and effective evangelization. The Church is called to employ all these elements in its evangelizing activity, adapting them to the diverse contexts and cultures in which it operates. The Church must always be attentive to the needs and aspirations of the people to whom it proclaims the Gospel, and must seek to communicate the message in a way that is understandable and relevant to them. The Church's evangelizing mission is a continuous process, always evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
24. This is the very reason why the Church has the right and the duty to evangelize. It is not an option but a command from the Lord Jesus Christ himself. The Church is born of the evangelizing activity of Jesus and the Apostles, and it is called to continue this activity until the end of time. The Church is the instrument of evangelization, and it is entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. The Church, therefore, must always be faithful to its evangelizing mission, and must never cease to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. The Church's evangelizing mission is not merely a task to be carried out, but an essential dimension of its very being. It is through evangelization that the Church fulfills its purpose in the world and brings men and women to salvation.
October 14, 2018
“Do not be afraid to open your doors to Christ!” These words of Saint John Paul II were addressed to the world from the window of Saint Peter’s Square, inviting everyone to welcome Christ and to embrace the Gospel without fear. It is a call that echoes the deep conviction of Paul VI, who, as a faithful servant of God, opened his heart and his life fully to Christ, and in so doing, became a tireless evangelizer.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This encounter, this question, and this confession are at the heart of our faith. They are also at the heart of the life and mission of Saint Paul VI, who, like Peter, dedicated his entire existence to proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Giovanni Battista Montini, as he was known before becoming Pope, was a man of profound faith, intellectual rigor, and immense courage. He lived in a time of great change and upheaval, both within the Church and in the world. He was called to steer the Bark of Peter through turbulent waters, following the great work initiated by Saint John XXIII, the Second Vatican Council. Paul VI, with his characteristic prudence and wisdom, brought the Council to its conclusion, ensuring that its rich teachings and pastoral insights would bear fruit for the Church and for humanity.
His pontificate was marked by a deep commitment to evangelization, as evidenced by his Apostolic Exhortation *Evangelii Nuntiandi*, a document that remains a landmark in the Church’s understanding of its missionary vocation. He understood that the Church’s mission is to proclaim the Good News to all peoples, in all times and places, and to do so with renewed zeal and methods. He was a prophet of evangelization, reminding us that the Church exists to evangelize, to transform humanity from within, and to make it new.
Paul VI was also a tireless pilgrim of peace. He was the first Pope to travel to all five continents, carrying the message of Christ’s love and reconciliation to the ends of the earth. His historic visit to the United Nations in 1965, where he famously declared, “No more war, war never again!”, remains a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to dialogue and peace in a world scarred by conflict and division. He saw the Church as a builder of bridges, a promoter of unity, and a voice for the voiceless.
His courage was evident in his defense of human life and the family, particularly through the encyclical *Humanae Vitae*. He faced immense criticism and misunderstanding, yet he remained steadfast in upholding the perennial teachings of the Church, convinced that he was serving the truth and the authentic good of humanity. This decision, born of deep prayer and discernment, revealed his profound fidelity to Christ and to the Magisterium.
Paul VI was a man who allowed himself to be guided by the Holy Spirit. He was a humble and courageous witness to the Gospel, a man who gave his whole life for Christ and for the Church. He was a true pastor, attentive to the needs of the flock, and a tireless promoter of justice and charity. His life reminds us that the Church’s mission is always to evangelize, and to do so with passion and courage, even in times of great difficulty and misunderstanding.
Today, as we canonize this great Pope, we give thanks to God for his life and his witness. We ask Saint Paul VI to intercede for us, that we too may be faithful disciples of Christ, courageous evangelizers, and tireless promoters of peace and justice in our world. May his example inspire us to open our doors ever wider to Christ, and to carry the Good News to every corner of the earth. Amen.