THE SIX POPES OF ST. MALACHY -  FLOWER OF FLOWERS: POPE PAUL VI (MONTINI)

Malachy describes Pope Paul VI's reign as "Flos Florum."

All flowers are beautiful but one or two stand out as fairer than the rest and so was Pope Paul VI.  

As member of the Curia, he used to oppose Pius XII; but, as Pope, he took Pius as his model and even improved on the model, thus exalting the papal office.  

Pius was angelic, John was humane, But Paul was divine.  Pius spoke to all Catholics, Paul spoke to all men: Golda Mier, Idi Amin, Tito, Podgormy came to see him.  

Everywhere Paul went, he inspired those who saw him to a life of virginity -- which only the holiest hermits could elicit.  This is in effect inspiring others to perfection. . .and only a perfect person can do it.  

During his reign, the papal throne stood at the center of the world stage.  The papal office was the office of offices.    

(05-17-05)