SCIENZA DEI FINI E INTERESSI ETERNI: MONTINI E LA FORMAZIONE ALLA «GRANDE POLITICA».

This article investigates the contribution of Giovanni Battista Montini, during the years of fascism, to the training of those destined to take a leading political role after World War II. In light of recent historiography some prejudices toward his figure and his intellectual bent are refuted. The years from his youth in Brescia to his commitment as Substitute of the Secretariat of State are summarized, including the objectives and principles that inspired his pedagogy for the future Catholic ruling class, and the role that he played in guiding the choices of committed Catholics in politics during the phase of democratic rebirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]