[Pope Pius XII was of] superior intelligence; the richness and acuity of his ideas; the precision in their expression - which he took care of down to… - Agostino Casaroli

[In Pope John XXIII] the novelty did not concern doctrine, but rather the way of expounding it and perhaps sometimes interpreting it, without ever betraying or modifying it. And of applying it to concrete situations. It then concerned, so to speak, the style, in speaking and acting, both inside and outside the Church: a greater readiness to understand the ‘other’; a charge of ‘sympathy’ in endeavouring to evaluate the mentality or attitudes of even those furthest away; an ability to be aware of their objective difficulties and the art of knowing how to create a climate of trust, despite the distance, or even the head-on opposition of reciprocal positions; the care not to offend people while telling the truth.

The revision of the Concordat in 1984 was a necessity.... I think on certain points I would have done differently today. In a democratic society the legitimate interests of the various components, including the Catholic Church, can be regulated through the law.

[Pio XII era di] intelligenza superiore; la ricchezza e acutezza di idee; la precisione nella loro espressione – che egli curava nei minimi particolari, anche in molte lingue straniere principalmente in quella tedesca nella quale era maestro; la santità di vita; la preoccupazione profonda e quasi dolorosa per le sorti della Chiesa e della comunità mondiale. l'infaticabile capacità di lavoro.