Pope Paul VI
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Pope Paul VI's basic stance toward life, the way others see him, the way Pope Paul VI comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Pope Paul VI - his real motivation, which describes the kind of person he is at heart and where his true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner Pope Paul VI" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Pope Paul VI a little better. This page describes the disguise Giovanni Montini wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Pope Paul VI appears gentle and soft, and he acts rather reserved with others until he knows them well and feels it is safe to be open with them. Pope Paul VI has a strong need for emotional security and a sense of belonging, and is deeply attached to the past: his heritage, roots, family, cherished friends, familiar places, etc. Making radical changes or moves away from what is familiar and safe can be very painful and difficult for him. Giovanni Montini tends to cling to people, memories and possessions of personal or sentimental significance. Having a home, a safe haven, is very important to Giovanni Montini.

Giovanni Montini approaches life emotionally and subjectively and he is sensitive to the emotional atmosphere, the subtle undercurrents of feeling in and around him. Instinctive and non-rational, Pope Paul VI is often unable to give a clear, simple explanation for his actions. Something either feels right, or it does not.

His emotions and personal loyalties tend to color Pope Paul VI's thoughts and opinions. He views life from a very personal perspective and often cannot mentally detach himself from his own personal bias and prejudices. He is apt to be concerned primarily with how something affects him and those dear and close to him, rather than with the principle or the broader social implications. For instance, he may be very patriotic and feel that whatever "my country" does is right without really knowing much about the other nation's policies or point of view. Simply put: if it is good for Pope Paul VI and his near and dear ones, then it is good. If it is not good for him and his near and dear ones, it is no good.

He is tenaciously loyal, protective, and supportive of those he cares about, and has a very strong nurturing, paternal nature. Pope Paul VI empathizes with others and intuitively senses the feelings and needs of other people. Compassionate and sympathetic, he is easily moved by others' pain, and Pope Paul VI is often the one that others seek out when they need comfort, reassurance, or help.

His moods fluctuate and change frequently and he is sometimes open and sometimes withdrawn emotionally. Pope Paul VI communicates nonverbally and appreciates a person who can pick up subtle cues and hints, rather than having to make everything explicit.

Pope Paul VI never forgets either kindness or unkindness shown to him.

Despite the fact that his core self is quite a bit different from the face the world generally sees, Pope Paul VI has a strong desire to be seen and recognized, to be acknowledged, and to have a significant influence on people in his environment. He may do remarkable things in order to be noticed. However, Pope Paul VI often does not get the full recognition he wishes for.

His emotional responses, feelings, and prejudices come across to others quite clearly and Pope Paul VI could be seen as a rather moody, inconsistent creature. On the other hand, he is not impersonal or removed, so people are drawn to confide in him. At times Giovanni Montini may wish he was not so easy to read.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Cancer Rising

Sun Square Asc.

Moon Square Asc.