Angelo Paoli
Angelo Paoli was an Italian Catholic priest in the Carmelite Order, born Francesco Paoli. He became widely known as the "father of the poor" for his extensive charitable work in Rome, earning the respect of cardinals and popes. Despite being offered the cardinalate twice, he refused, prioritizing his service to the less fortunate.
Key Facts
- ›Francesco Paoli was born on 1 September 1642 in Argigliano to peasant parents and was named in honor of Francis of Assisi.
- ›He joined the Carmelites with his brother Tommaso on 27 November 1660, taking the religious name Angelo.
- ›Paoli was ordained a priest in Florence in 1667 and later served as a pastor and master of novices in various locations.
- ›In 1687, he was stationed at the church Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti in Rome, where he dedicated his life to caring for the sick and poor.
- ›He approached Pope Clement XI in 1708 to advocate for the restoration of the Coliseum and the placement of wooden crosses to honor martyrs.
- ›Both Pope Innocent XII and Pope Clement XI offered him the cardinalate, which he declined, stating it would hinder his ability to help the poor.
Father of the Poor, Francesco Paoli
the Poor
Holding Bread, Wooden Cross, Instrument of the Passion
About Angelo Paoli
Angelo Paoli (1642–1720)
Angelo Paoli, born Francesco Paoli, was an Italian Catholic priest and a member of the Carmelite Order. He is celebrated for his lifelong dedication to charitable works, earning him the title "father of the poor." His significant efforts in Rome to aid the sick and impoverished garnered the admiration and respect of many, including cardinals and popes.
Life and Ministry
Born into a peasant family in Argigliano on 1 September 1642, Francesco Paoli was the eldest of seven children. He joined the Carmelites on 27 November 1660, taking the religious name Angelo in honor of his father, and made his vows on 18 December 1661. After his ordination to the priesthood in 1667, he served in various capacities within the order, including as a sacristan, organist, pastor, and master of novices in places like Florence, Carniola, and Siena.
In 1687, Angelo Paoli was stationed at the church of Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti in Rome, where he remained for the rest of his life. Here, he devoted himself to caring for the sick in hospitals and ministering to the poor. He distinguished himself through his service during two earthquakes in 1703, providing aid, food, and comfort to victims. In 1710, he established a hospice for the needy. He also advocated for the restoration of the Coliseum, proposing the placement of wooden crosses to honor martyrs there, a project he undertook on Mount Testaccio.
Recognition and Refusal of Honors
Angelo Paoli's profound commitment to charity led him to be recognized by high ecclesiastical authorities. Both Pope Innocent XII and Pope Clement XI offered him the cardinalate, but he refused these honors on two occasions. He explained that accepting such a position would prevent him from dedicating as much time and attention to the poor as he desired, stating it would have been "hurtful to the poor whom I would not have been able to help."
Beatification and Legacy
Following his death on 20 January 1720, Angelo Paoli was initially titled "venerable" and the "father of the poor" by papal decree. The process for his beatification began in 1723 and progressed through various stages, with Pope Pius VI naming him Venerable on 21 January 1781. After a period of apparent stalling, the cause gained renewed momentum with the validation of a miracle attributed to his intercession in 2007. Pope Benedict XVI officially approved this miracle, paving the way for his beatification, which was celebrated on 25 April 2010 in the Basilica di San Giovanni Laterano. His life remains an example of selfless dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Angelo Paoli?
Angelo Paoli, born Francesco Paoli, was an Italian Catholic priest of the Carmelite Order. He is widely recognized for his profound charitable work and was known as the "father of the poor".
What was Angelo Paoli known for?
He was renowned for his extensive outreach to the poor and sick in Rome. His dedication to charity was so significant that he was offered the cardinalate by two popes, which he refused to continue his direct service to those in need.
When was Angelo Paoli beatified?
Angelo Paoli was beatified on 25 April 2010 in the Basilica di San Giovanni Laterano. The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
What religious order did Angelo Paoli belong to?
Angelo Paoli belonged to the Carmelite Order. He joined the order on 27 November 1660 with his brother Tommaso and took the religious name Angelo.
Where is Angelo Paoli venerated?
Angelo Paoli is primarily venerated in Rome, Italy, where he spent much of his life serving the poor and sick. His remains are interred in the church of Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti in Rome.
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