Angelo Paoli

Called to Rome in 1687 to train novices, Father Angelo spent the last thirty-three years of his life there. Nicknamed the "father of the poor," he organized an effective assistance network, caring for the sick daily at the San Giovanni hospital. In 1710, he founded a hospice for convalescents to help poor patients reintegrate. He repeatedly refused the dignity of cardinal offered by Popes Innocent XII and Clement XI in order to remain at the service of the poor. He also propagated devotion to the Passion by erecting crosses, notably at the Colosseum.

Exhausted by his privations, Father Angelo passed away on January 20, 1720, in Rome. His funeral attracted an immense crowd. His cause for beatification began as early as 1723. On January 21, 1781, Pope Pius VI declared him Venerable, recognizing the heroic nature of his virtues. Although the cause slowed down during the 19th and 20th centuries, popular devotion remains very vibrant in Tuscany and Rome.

The beatification progressed in the 21st century thanks to the recognition of a miracle that occurred in August 1927: the unexplained healing of Eglina Canozzi from a severe uterine prolapse. The decree of the miracle was signed by Pope Benedict XVI on July 3, 2009. The beatification ceremony was celebrated on April 25, 2010, at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato.

The spirituality of Angelo Paoli unites contemplation and action, seeing in the Eucharist and the service of the poor the two sides of the same mystery. His body rests in the Basilica of Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti in Rome. His legacy is perpetuated through charitable works, such as the Caritas center in Rome and the charity center of Aulla-Fivizzano in Tuscany.