Pope Francis on August 5, 2018, recalled the passing of Blessed Paul VI 40 years ago, calling the soon-to-be Saint the «great Pope od modernity.»
The Holy Father’s comments came after praying the noonday Angelus with 20,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
«Forty years ago, Blessed Paul VI was living his last hours on earth. In fact, he died on the evening of August 6, 1978,» Francis recounted. «We remember him with so much veneration and gratitude while awaiting his canonization next October 14. From Heaven, may he intercede for the Church, which he so loved, and for peace in the world. We all greet with applause this great Pope of modernity!»
In his address during the meeting with the parish priests of Rome, which was held on Thursday, February 15, 2018, in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Pope Francis announced that Blessed Paul VI will be canonized in 2018. It’s a great event for the universal Church, although the official date has yet to be established.
“There are two Bishops of Rome (recent ones) already Saints (John XXIII and John Paul II). Paul VI will be a Saint this year,” said the Holy Father.
Pope Francis beatified Paul VI (1897-1978) on October 19, 2014, at the end of the first Synod of Bishops on the Family.
On December 20, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI approved the Decree recognizing that Paul VI lived the Christian and human virtues in a “heroic” way.
