PAUL VI: (1897-1978)

PAUL VI: (1897-1978) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1963-78. An excellent vintage signed colour 7 x 9.5 photograph by Pope Paul VI, the image depicting the Pope in a formal half length pose, wearing his red pontifical habit. Photograph by Felici of Rome and bearing their stamp to the lower right corner of the image. Signed ('Paulus P P. VI') by the Pope in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount and dated 12th March 1966 in his hand. With the Papal blind embossed seal alongside his signature. Neatly mounted, VG ] £800 - 1200 Upon his election to the Papacy, Cardinal Montini took the pontifical name Paul VI to indicate a renewed worldwide mission to spread the message of Christ, following the example of Apostle St. Paul. Pope Paul VI reconvened the Second Vatican Council, giving it priority and direction, and implementing its numerous reforms and fostering improved ecumenical relations with Eastern Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. Pope Benedict XVI declared that the late Pope Paul VI lived a life of heroic virtue and conferred the title of Venerable upon him. In October 2014 Pope Francis beatified him in recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession.