Paul VI (Pope)

Pope Paul VI, born Giovanni Battista Montini in 1897, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1963 to 1978. He is best known for continuing and implementing the reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council, which modernized church practices and promoted dialogue with other faiths. Paul VI also emphasized social justice, addressing issues such as poverty and war. His encyclical "Humanae Vitae" defended human sexuality and opposed artificial contraception, sparking significant debate. He was canonized as a saint in 2018, recognized for his commitment to peace and interreligious dialogue.