On August 28, 1978, Cardinal Albino Luciani was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope John Paul I. His tenure as the head of the Catholic Church was tragically short-lived, as he passed away just 33 days after his election due to a heart attack. Born on October 17, 1912, in Belluno, Italy, he was the son of Giovanni Luciani and Bortola Tancon, according to the Vatican’s official biography.
As a baby, Luciani was baptized on the day of his birth due to fears that he might not survive. In 1923, he entered the minor seminary, and five years later, he joined the Gregorian Seminary in Belluno. At the young age of 22, he was ordained to the priesthood on July 7, 1935.
Pope John XXIII appointed Luciani as the bishop of Vittorio Veneto on December 15, 1958. Vittorio Veneto was located close to Belluno, his hometown. Exactly eleven years later, on the same date, Pope Paul VI appointed him as the “Patriarch of Venice.”
On March 5, 1973, Luciani was named a cardinal by Pope Paul VI and elevated to the College of Cardinals. Following the death of Pope Paul VI on August 6, 1973, Luciani participated in the papal conclave at the Vatican to elect the next pope. This process involved voting in secret ballot at the Sistine Chapel, with each vote followed by the burning of ballots.
Pope John Paul I was elected on the fourth ballot in a relatively speedy election. After his election, confusion arose when the smoke from the chimney turned from white to gray, then back to white. This unexpected change in color led to uncertainty among the assembled crowd, as reported by The Washington Post.
Known as the “smiling pope” due to his photogenic smile, Pope John Paul I was a figure of humility during his short papacy. He opted for an inauguration ceremony instead of a traditional papal coronation, choosing the episcopal motto “Humilitas.”
Tragically, just 33 days after his election, Pope John Paul I was found dead in bed on September 29, 1978, at the age of 65. Despite initial reports of natural causes, conspiracy theories surrounding his death emerged, suggesting foul play. However, the Vatican maintains that his death was due to a heart attack, and no autopsy was performed.
Pope John Paul I’s funeral took place on October 4, 1978, and he was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica. His successor, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, took the name Pope John Paul II in honor of his predecessor. The process of canonization for Pope John Paul I began on November 23, 2003, culminating in his beatification by Pope Francis on September 4, 2022.
As “Blessed” Pope John Paul I, he is revered within the Catholic Church, with his beatification marking a significant step towards potential canonization. Despite his short papacy, his legacy lives on through the devotion of his followers and the recognition of his virtues as a spiritual leader.
