Giovanni Battista Montini (Paul VI): From the legacy of Christian Democracy to the encounter with fascism, 1925–33

Abstract

This article seeks to address Giovanni Battista Montini's attitude towards the Christian Democrat party of the day-the PPI- and his reactions to the Fascist movement and regime between 1925 and 33. Contrary to most observers, the article argues that the future Paul VI was not a Christian Democrat at heart. With regard to his anti-Fascism, the article aims to qualify his attitudes and concludes that these were of a strong moralistic and religious character rather than characterized by political underpinnings.