In this scrupulous, densely detailed biography, veteran Vatican reporter Hebblethwaite ( John XXIII ) convincingly portrays Paul VI, pontiff from 1963 to 1978, as thoughtfully and judiciously engaged with the political, social and religious issues of the day. Though Hebblethwaite explores the background of Giovanni Battista Montini, born in 1897 in Brescia, Italy, the book is mainly an institutional history of the church and Montini's role in it, based on accounts from sources from several countries. As chaplain of a student movement, Montini opposed Fascism; he was a close adviser to Pope Pius XII during WW II and after; as Archbishop of Milan, he rebuilt the diocese and supported the ecclesiological changes of Pope John XXIII's Vatican II. As pope, Paul VI traveled the world, becoming the first pope to visit the U.S. and Africa; he committed the Church to working with the United Nations and was the first pope to take part in an ecumenical service. Paul VI, the author argues, had a more nuanced view of ethics than was suggested by the "Pope Bans Pill" headlines that summarized his 1968 encyclical letter on birth control, Humanae Vitae. Observing that many people, including Pope John Paul II, now criticize Paul VI, the author ably--though at too great length--defends his pontificate.
A veteran Vatican reporter draws the reader through the sweeping events of the 20th century in this major biography of Giovanni Battista Montini, who followed John XXIII as Pope Paul VI (1963-78). The author truly admires his subject, "a good and holy man," while providing a balanced combination of history and skilled contemporary reportage. The Vatican on the international scene is as much the subject as is Montini, who, trained in canon law and diplomacy, quietly initiated and implemented much of the modernization that occurred with the Council of Vatican II. Quoting published and unpublished views of Paul VI, the author presents a picture of a church reformer who placed people over protocols, who was deeply contemplative despite life in the busy Curia, and who pleaded for peace before the UN. Historical objectivity is important to the author, who nevertheless inserts occasional pointed personal asides. Political and cultural giants of our century meet here in more than 700 pages, yet there is no waste of words. The book is informative, intellectually challenging, and highly recommended.