page_title: Pope Paul VI
section_title: Mariology
hierarchical_section_title: Pope Paul VI / Papacy / Theology / Mariology
caption_attribution_description: Italiano: Visita di Papa Paolo VI a Venezia nel 1972 con il Card. Patriarca Albino LucianiEnglish: Visit of Pope Paul VI in Venice in 1972 with the Cardinal Patriarch Albino LucianiDeutsch: Besuch von Papst Paul VI in Venedig 1972 mit dem Kardinal Patriarch Albino LucianiFrançais&#160;: Visite du Pape Paul VI à Venise en 1972 avec le cardinal patriarche Albino Luciani
context_page_description: Pope Paul VI was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 21 June 1963 to his death in 1978. Succeeding John XXIII, he continued the Second Vatican Council which he closed in 1965, implementing its numerous reforms, and fostered improved ecumenical relations with Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements.
  Montini served in the Holy See's Secretariat of State from 1922 to 1954. While in the Secretariat of State, Montini and Domenico Tardini were considered as the closest and most influential advisors of Pius XII, who in 1954 named him Archbishop of Milan, the largest Italian diocese. Montini later became the Secretary of the Italian Bishops' Conference. John XXIII elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 1958, and after the death of John XXIII, Montini was considered one of his most likely successors. Upon his election to the papacy, Montini took the name Paul VI.
  He re-convened the Second Vatican Council, which had automatically closed with the death of John XXIII.
context_section_description: Pope Paul VI made extensive contributions to Mariology (theological teaching and devotions) during his pontificate. He attempted to present the Marian teachings of the Church in view of her new ecumenical orientation. In his inaugural encyclical Ecclesiam suam (section below), the pope called Mary the ideal of Christian perfection. He regards "devotion to the Mother of God as of paramount importance in living the life of the Gospel."
caption: Paul VI with Albino Luciani (later John Paul I) in Venice
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