Pope Paul VI Quotes

A collection of quotes by Pope Paul VI.

Pope Paul VI, born Giovanni Battista Montini on September 26, 1897, in Concesio, Italy, was the 262nd pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the successor to Pope John XXIII from 1963 until his death on August 6, 1978. Pope Paul VI played a crucial role in continuing the reforms initiated by his predecessor.

During his pontificate, Paul VI implemented the landmark Second Vatican Council, which aimed to modernize and adapt the Church to the contemporary world. This council introduced significant changes, such as allowing Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular language rather than just Latin. Pope Paul VI also worked towards improving interfaith dialogue and was the first pope to visit the United States, addressing the United Nations in 1965.

One of his most notable encyclicals was "Humanae Vitae" (Of Human Life) in 1968. Despite receiving widespread controversy, this encyclical reiterated the Church's opposition to artificial contraception and reaffirmed the sanctity of life. Pope Paul VI's courageous stand on this matter earned him both admiration and criticism.

Pope Paul VI dedicated his papacy to promoting peace and justice worldwide. He tirelessly advocated for disarmament, condemned war, and tirelessly campaigned for a peaceful resolution to conflicts. For his efforts, he was awarded the United Nations' first-ever Pope Paul VI Peace Prize in 1971.

Pope Paul VI's legacy is often associated with leading the Catholic Church through a period of significant change and grappling with the challenges of the modern era. His commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and peace-building continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.

If you wish to be brothers, let the arms fall from your hand

If you wish to be brothers, let the arms fall from your hands. One cannot love while holding offensive arms.

Pope Paul VI


Liturgy is like a strong tree whose beauty is derived from t

Liturgy is like a strong tree whose beauty is derived from the continuous renewal of its leaves, but whose strength comes from the old trunk, with solid roots in the ground.

Pope Paul VI

Beauty Strength

This world in which we live needs beauty in order not to sin

This world in which we live needs beauty in order not to sink into despair. It is beauty, like truth, which brings joy to the heart of man and is that precious fruit which resists the year and tear of time, which unites generations and makes them share things in admiration.

Pope Paul VI

Truth Art Beauty

In youth the days are short and the years are long. In old a

In youth the days are short and the years are long. In old age the years are short and day's long.

Pope Paul VI

Age

No more war! Never again war! If you wish to be brothers, dr

No more war! Never again war! If you wish to be brothers, drop your weapons.

Pope Paul VI

War

We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter,

We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly let him rejoice.

Pope Paul VI

Faith

Of all human activities, man's listening to God is the supre

Of all human activities, man's listening to God is the supreme act of his reasoning and will.

Pope Paul VI

God

If you want peace work for justice.

If you want peace work for justice.

Pope Paul VI

Peace

All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given t

All life demands struggle. Those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish, and insensitive to the real values of life. The very striving and hard work that we so constantly try to avoid is the major building block in the person we are today.

Pope Paul VI

Life

Technological society has succeeded in multiplying the oppor

Technological society has succeeded in multiplying the opportunities for pleasure, but it has great difficulty in generating joy.

Pope Paul VI

Society

Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, th

Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.

Pope Paul VI

Life