Pope St. Paul VI
May 29
Pope Paul VI, also known as Giovanni Battista Montini, was elected Pope in 1963 and reigned as Supreme Pontiff until 1978. He was canonized by Pope Francis in October of 2018.
Pope Paul VI was instrumental in overseeing the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council which has been inaugurated by his predecessor, Pope John XXIII. He was, therefore, also responsible for implementing the changes that were called for by the Council.
In addition to the liturgical reform, Pope Paul VI is also remembered for preserving the Church’s teaching on artificial conception, modernizing the penitential practices of the Church, creating a Synod of Bishops, calling for the reform of Canon Law, et cet.
He died of natural causes in the 15th year of his pontificate at Castel Gondolfo which served as the Papal residence during the summer. His memorial is celebrated on May 29.
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