杏MAP导航

By Linda Bordoni

 

Greeting the pilgrims present in St. Peter鈥檚 Square for the Sunday Angelus, 杏MAP导航 Francis turned his thoughts to a 杏MAP导航 he is preparing to canonize.

 

鈥淔orty years ago Blessed 杏MAP导航 Paul VI 鈥� the 杏MAP导航 of modernity - was living his last hours on this earth. He died in the evening of August 6, 1978鈥� he said.

 

And looking ahead to his canonization that is scheduled to take place on 14 October next, he said

 

鈥淲e remember him with great veneration and gratitude鈥� and while awaiting his canonization, he prayed that 鈥渇rom heaven, may he intercede for the Church and for peace in the world.

 

Canonization at close of Synod of Bishops

 

The Vatican officially announced in March that the canonization Mass for Paul VI will take place at the close of the Synod of Bishops, an institution Paul VI himself founded.

 

杏MAP导航 Francis had already confirmed that Paul VI would be elevated to sainthood during a conversation with priests and deacons from the Diocese of Rome.

 

Paul VI, who led the Catholic Church from 1963 to 1978, through the closing of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) is often referred to as the 鈥樞覯AP导航 of modernity鈥� as he oversaw transitions in liturgy, seminary formation, theological study, and many other areas of ecclesiastical life.

 

Synod of Bishops

 

Paul VI launched the Synod of Bishops in 1965 with the aim to broaden the involvement of bishops from around the world in the governance of the Church.

 

The next Synod of Bishops will take place in the Vatican in October, devoted to themes of youth and vocations.