Blessed John Paul I

Life story

Albino Luciani was born on 17 October 1912 in Forno di Canale (now Canale d'Agordo), in the province of Belluno in northern Italy. He was ordained a priest in 1935 and did a good deal of catechetical work and teaching. In 1958 he was appointed bishop of Vittorio Veneto, from 1969 he was Patriarch of Venice, and in 1973 he was made a cardinal.

On 26 August 1978 the cardinals elected him pope after the death of Paul VI. He chose the name John Paul, the first time a pope used a double name, to honour his two predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI. His motto was Humilitas (humility). In his short time in office he became known for his plain speech and his smile.

He was found dead in his residence in the Apostolic Palace on 28 September 1978, after 33 days as pope. The cause usually given is a heart attack, and he was buried in the Vatican grottoes. Pope Francis declared him venerable in 2017 and beatified him on 4 September 2022. His feast day is 26 August, the date of his election.

Works and witness

• Bishop of Vittorio Veneto from 1958
• Patriarch of Venice from 1969
• Elected pope on 26 August 1978
• First pope to take a double name, John Paul
• Beatified on 4 September 2022

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Albino Luciani, Illustrissimi: Letters from Pope John Paul I (1976)
• Dicastery for the Causes of Saints: decrees and beatification records, 4 September 2022
• Martyrologium Romanum (26 August)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.