The Catholic Message Board

I didn’t notice the similarities until I started reading a few biographies of Paul VI but we’ve been through this before and not very long ago.

The main similarity is the unjustified reputation as a “liberal” whose leadership style is autocratic and authoritarian. Paul
VI definitely considered his pontificate to be one of service, but he did not think of it as a partnership with others, despite Vatican II’s emphasis on collegiality and collaboration.

The other similarity that I noticed is the disdain and contempt towards anyone on his theological right and a tendency to brutally crack down on Traditionalists for minor things with an endless tolerance for far worse shenanigans by those on the left.

The one really big difference is public teaching, Paul’s was orthodox with few ambiguities. Well… the contrast with Francis obvious.

I don't remember the press reporting on everything he said and did. Granted, I had just finished 3rd. grade when he was elected, and post college when he died. I was not as attentive then as I am now.

Paul VI has been called "the forgotten Pope" because he came between two massive pontificates, John XXIII and John Paul II, and even during his own reign, he didn't seem very important or consequential

Is it fair to say that Pope Francis has a penchant for making off-the-cuff and unclear statements?

Other than that, yeah, he and Paul VI are indistinguishable.