Word: milan
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...Very Long Lead." Giovanni Montini, Cardinal-Archbishop of Milan, had entered the conclave a Pope-and defied tradition by coming out of it a Pope. He had been the odds-on favorite of journalists, clerics, and the betting population of Rome's cafés. He was, at 65, the right age. He was that all-but-impossible combination, a "liberal" Italian who was basically acceptable to both Curia traditionalists and non-Italian progressives. He had a desirable blend of ecclesiastical experience behind him: eight years in charge of Italy's largest diocese, following three decades of efficient...
...series of clear, decisive pastoral letters and allocutions (see box); yet some of his subordinates say that his own policies were often dangerously fluid: "There was no followup, and experiments turned out to be mere episodes." He has been hailed as a distinguished administrator; yet his record in Milan can honestly be rated no better than fair. Appraisals of Montini range from "a great gentleman" and "a complete man" to "a Pacelli-twice over" and "a Hamlet...
...first offered a cardinal's hat to Tardini, who refused it, perhaps because he had divined the Pope's true wishes, perhaps to checkmate his rival, Montini. Since Tardini had refused, Montini could only answer no. Then, a year later, Pius announced.that Montini would become Archbishop of Milan, a post that traditionally carries with it a cardinalate...
...Strongly, Divinely." When Montini journeyed northward by train toward Milan, with a black shawl over his knees and his personal possessions crammed into a borrowed suitcase, he had never been so much as a parish priest, and yet he was taking charge of Italy's most populous diocese. To the surprise of the city, the quiet Vatican diplomat became a pastoral whirlwind. He visited Milan's Communist districts, calmly asked for workers' suggestions as to where they would like their new church built. Greeted with jeers and catcalls, he would advance with a sad smile...
There are plenty of misgivings about other cardinals who rule Italy's great archdioceses. Milan's aggressive Giovanni Montini, 65, a much-mentioned liberal with many Curia enemies, has been mercurial and indecisive as a pastoral leader. Easygoing, emotional Giacomo Lercaro, 71, of Bologna professes a deep interest in social reform, but, complains one Vatican official, "his conception of social work is giving alms." The likable Patriarch of Venice, Giovanni Urbani, 63, is thought to be excessively dependent upon his advisers...