Today, as we celebrate the memorial of Pope Saint Paul VI, we are called to reflect on a leader who navigated the turbulent waters of a rapidly changing world with faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Giovanni Battista Montini, born on September 26, 1897, in Brescia, Italy, became Pope Paul VI in 1963. His leadership was marked by his dedication to implementing the reforms of Vatican II, which notwithstanding if you’re apprehensive or not to this Council, aimed to renew the Church’s mission and engagement with contemporary society, guiding it through its tumultuous sessions—seeking renewal without losing the core truths of the faith.
Pope Paul VI’s engagement with the world was remarkable. He was present at the opening of Vatican II in 1962, and he was deeply involved in shaping its documents. His leadership was characterized by openness—visiting places like India, Africa, and Asia, bringing the Gospel message to new continents and cultures. One vivid example of his courage was his trip to the United States in 1965, where he addressed the United Nations. As the first pope to speak before the UN, he emphasized the importance of peace, human rights, and the dignity of every person. He famously said, “No more war, war never again,” echoing the hope that the Church could be a voice for justice and reconciliation in a world scarred by conflict.
In 1968, he issued Humanae Vitae, reaffirming the Church’s teachings on responsible parenthood. This decision was met with resistance, even among some within the Church. Yet, Saint Paul VI stood firm, emphasizing that the message was rooted in love and respect for human life and dignity. His courage to uphold this teaching, despite the controversy, showed his deep fidelity to Christ’s moral truth and his pastoral concern for the well-being of families. He was already sensing the vicious attacks which were to besiege the Church’s faithful in this regard in the coming years.
A moment of his humility and pastoral sensitivity was his visit to the slums of Naples in 1964, where he walked among the poor and listened to their stories. He refused to see himself as above the people, embodying Christ’s love for the marginalized. Another powerful encounter was his decision to travel to the Holy Land in 1964, a gesture of unity and peace amid ongoing conflicts. His visit to Jerusalem and his prayers at the Western Wall reflected his desire to promote reconciliation among different faiths, something the Lord asks all of us to participate in without compromising his truth.
Today’s readings from Acts and John, along with the life of Saint Paul VI, call us to imitate his example of courage and fidelity. Just as he faced opposition and uncertainty, he also met the challenges of his time with trust in the Lord’s grace. Just as was once declared to his name’s sake while in spiritual crisis, Saint Paul, so he too would hear the words repeated to him lovingly: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Jesus’ words in the Gospel, “Your grief will turn into joy,” mirror the journey of Pope Paul VI. His leadership—marked by difficult decisions and bold outreach—was rooted in the hope that Christ’s joy and salvation are for all nations.
In conclusion, Pope Saint Paul VI teaches us that true leadership involves listening, humility, and unwavering fidelity to the Gospel, even in the face of adversity. His encounters with the world—whether advocating for peace, defending moral truths, or comforting the marginalized—remind us that faith is active, courageous, and hope-filled.
May his example inspire us to be witnesses of Christ’s love in our own times, trusting that the Spirit Who comes to us, will guide us through every challenge toward the joy of salvation.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Amen.
Less than two weeks before Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina died, he sent a letter on Humanae Vitae to Saint Pope Paul VI. The letter was discovered before Pope Paul’s 2018 canonization.
Your Holiness:
Availing myself of Your Holiness’ meeting with the Capitular Fathers, I unite myself in spirit with my Brothers, and in a spirit of faith, love and obedience to the greatness of Him whom you represent on earth, offer my respectful homage to Your August Person, humbly kneeling at Your feet.
The Capuchin Order has always been among the first in their love, fidelity, and reverence for the Holy See. I pray the Lord that its members remain ever thus, continuing their tradition of seriousness and religious asceticism, evangelical poverty, faithful observance of the Rule and Constitutions, renewing themselves in vigorous living and deep interior spirit — always ready, at the least gesture from Your Holiness, to go forward at once to assist the Church in her needs.
I know that Your heart suffers much these days on account of the happenings in the Church: for peace in the world, for the great needs of its peoples; but above all, for the lack of obedience of some, even Catholics, to the lofty teachings which You, assisted by the Holy Spirit and in the name of God, have given us. I offer Your Holiness my daily prayers and sufferings, the insignificant but sincere offering of the least of your sons, asking the Lord to comfort you with His grace to continue along the direct yet often burdensome way — in defense of those eternal truths which can never change with the times.
In the name of my spiritual sons and of the “Praying Groups” I thank Your Holiness for the clear and decisive words You have spoken in the recent encyclical, “Humanae Vitae”, and I reaffirm my own faith and my unconditional obedience to Your inspired directives.
May God grant truth to triumph, and, may peace be given to His Church, tranquility to the people of the earth, and health and prosperity to Your Holiness, so that when these disturbing clouds pass over, the Reign of God may triumph in all hearts, through the Apostolic Works of the Supreme Shepherd of all Christians.
Prostrate at Your feet, I beg you to bless me, my Brothers in religion, my spiritual sons, the “Praying Groups”, all the sick — that we may faithfully fulfill the good works done in the Name of Jesus and under your protection.
Your Holiness’ most humble servant,
PADRE PIO, Capuchin
San Giovanni Rotondo, 12th September 1968.
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