Pope St. Paul VI (262º): the Great & Vatican II — Complete Guide
Pontificate: 21 June 1963–6 August 1978
St. Paul VI was the 262nd pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 21 June 1963–6 August 1978 during the contemporary Catholic Church. Last pope to be crowned. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint.
Who Was Pope Paul VI?
This biography of St. Paul VI (262º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. Common search topics include the Great, Vatican II. During the contemporary Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church. Catholics honor him as a saint whose intercession remains available to the faithful.
Early Life & Background
Before election he was known as Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini. Born 26 September 1897 Concesio, Kingdom of Italy, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.
Historical Context
Paul VI leads (or led) the Church in the contemporary era, when over a billion Catholics look to Rome for unity while the papacy faces globalization, secularization, digital media, and rapid social change. Rescinded the mutual excommunications which led to the Great Schism of 1054 in his meeting with Patriarch Athenagoras I in 1964. Closed the Second Vatican Council(1965).
Pontificate & Key Events
The pontificate (21 June 1963–6 August 1978) centered on governance during the contemporary Catholic Church. Last pope to be crowned. First pope since 1809 to travel outside Italy. First pope since the 9th century to visit the East, labelling the Eastern Churches as sister churches; visited the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Constantinople in 1964 and 1967.
Papal Acts & Achievements
Paul VI left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes. Papal motto: Cum Ipso in monte ("With Him on the mountain").
Key Highlights
- 262nd pope of the Catholic Church
- Pontificate: 21 June 1963–6 August 1978
- Venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church
- Last pope to be crowned.
- First pope since 1809 to travel outside Italy.
- Closed the Second Vatican Council(1965).
Legacy in the Catholic Church
St. Paul VI remains pope 262º in the Annuario Pontificio. The Church venerates his feast and holds up his virtues for imitation. Read against the contemporary Catholic Church, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.
Why Catholics Study This Pope Today
Studying St. Paul VI helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the contemporary Catholic Church — with human weakness and grace intertwined. You may ask Paul VI for intercession and look up his feast in the Roman calendar or Martyrology. Primary sources from this pontificate — bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals — reward readers who want depth beyond summaries. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.
Place in the Line of Succession
St. Paul VI followed Pope St. John (261º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope John Paul I (263º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.