Pavel VI. a evropská společenství v letech 1963‒1978

The objective of this study is to describe Pope Paul VI’s European integration policy. From the 1950s, the Vatican had been one of strongest advocates and promoters of the idea of European integration. Pope Pius XII had been a convinced federalist and supported every pro-European initiative. During John XXIII’s pontificate, the topic of European integration was put temporarily on the backburner, but under Paul VI it once again became a fairly common topic of the Pope’s speeches. Paul VI built on the traditions of Pius XII and defended a strong European identity, demanded the weakening of state sovereignty and a bolder role for the European Community in development and humanitarian aid, including taking on a peace-keeping role in the world. This research draws mainly on documents contained in Acta Apostolicae Sedis.