CrucisPope Bl. John Paul I
Pope John Paul I was born Albino Luciani on 17 October 1912 at Forno di Canale (now Canale d'Agordo) in the mountains of northern Italy, into a poor working family. A humble and warm-hearted pastor, he became Patriarch of Venice and a cardinal, known for his simplicity, his gift for teaching the faith in plain and homely language, and his evident goodness. Elected pope in August 1978, he chose the double name John Paul to honor his two predecessors of the Council, the first pope ever to take a double name.
His brief pontificate captured the affection of the world through his radiant smile and gentle humility, earning him the title "the Smiling Pope," and he set a tone of pastoral warmth and modesty, even declining some of the pomp of his office. But after only thirty-three days, he was found dead in his bed on the morning of 28 September 1978, of an apparent heart attack, a sudden loss that stunned and grieved the Church. Recognized for his sanctity, he was beatified in 2022.
Selected quotes
“Let us try to be humble, for it is the humble whom God lifts up, while the proud He must first bring low to bless.”
“God loves us not because we are good but to make us good; His mercy goes before our merit and waits for our return.”
“We are the objects of an undying love on the part of God; held in that love, what soul has cause to despair?”