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[[File:Joannes paulus I.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Pope John Paul I (Albino Luciani).]]
Pope '''John Paul I''' ({{la icon}}: ''Ioannes Paulus PP. I'', {{it icon}}: ''Giovanni Paolo I''), born '''Albino Luciani''' (17 October 1912 – [[September 28]] 1978), reigned as the 263rd [[Pope]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] and as Sovereign of [[w:Vatican City|Vatican City]] from [[August 26]], 1978 until his death 33 days later. His sudden and mysterious death, the result of an apparent heart attack, has led to rumours of foul play that have periodically resurfaced.<ref name=BRITANNICA>"John Paul I." Encyclopædia Britannica. '''Encyclopædia Britannica 2009 Ultimate Reference Suite.'''  Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009.</ref><ref name=NORWICH>[[w:John Julius Norwich|John Julius Norwich]]. ''"WAS POPE JOHN PAUL I MURDERED? A sealed bed chamber. An archbishop with links to the Mafia. An embalming carried out with indecent - improper - haste... And one leading historian's burning question:."'' '''Mail on Sunday''' [London, England] 8 May 2011: 26.</ref><ref>Levi Fernandes. ''"Pope John Paul I assassinated over reform plans, author charges."'' '''Agence France Presse -- English.''' December 18, 2005 Sunday 4:38 AM GMT.</ref><ref>Tom Newton Dunn. ''"Was Murder Committed in the Vatican? Cardinal [[w:Aloísio Lorscheider|Aloisio Lorscheider]] Talks of Doubts Over the Death of Pope John Paul I."'' '''The Mirror.''' August 28, 1998, Friday. pg.8.</ref><ref>[[w:Eugene Kennedy|Eugene Kennedy]] (Professor of psychology at Loyola University). ''"Was The Pope Murdered?"'' '''The New York Times.''' November 5, 1989, Sunday, Late Edition - Final. Section 7; Page 15, Column 1; Book Review Desk.</ref><ref>''"Vulnerability of Popes who 'Step in the Way of Secret Societies'."'' '''BBC Summary of World Broadcasts''' (Text of commentary). June 14, 1984, Thursday.</ref><ref>''"Vatican Rejects Poison Charge as 'Fanciful'."'' '''The Miami Herald.''' June 13, 1984 Wednesday.</ref><ref name=GLOBE-OCT7>''"Several Questions Unanswered in Pope's Death."'' '''The Globe and Mail.''' Sunday October 7, 1978.</ref><ref name=TRIBUNE>''"[http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/613208502.html?dids=613208502:613208502&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+07%2C+1978&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Evidence+of+foul+play+in+Pope+death+claimed&pqatl=google Evidence of foul play in Pope death claimed]".'' '''Chicago Tribune'''. 7 October 1978.</ref> Pope John Paul I's charismatic reign is among the shortest in papal history, resulting in the most recent [[w:Year of Three Popes|Year of Three Popes]]. He was also the first Pope to be born in the 20th century and the last Pope to die in it.

John Paul I was the first pope since Pius X (reigned 1903–14) to have a pastoral<ref>''"A Pastor for Pope."'' '''The Globe and Mail.''' Monday August 28, 1978.</ref> rather than a diplomatic or scholarly background.<ref name=BRITANNICA/> In [[Archdiocese of Italy and Malta|Italy]] he is remembered with the appellatives of "Il Papa del Sorriso" (''The Smiling Pope'')<ref name=Lauretta>Raymond and Lauretta. ''The Smiling Pope, The Life & Teaching of John Paul I.'' Our Sunday Visitor Press, 2004.</ref> and "Il Sorriso di Dio" (''The smile of God'').<ref>[http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0891862/combined Papa Luciani: Il sorriso di Dio] (Pope Luciani: The Smile of God). Radiotelevisione Italia 2006 documentary.</ref> ''Time'' magazine and other publications referred to him as ''The September Pope.''<ref>Time (Cover Story). ''[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,919865,00.html The September Pope].'' Monday, 9 Oct 1978. Retrieved: 20 August 2012.</ref>

==Biography==
===Early Years===
[[File:Casa Natale Luciani.jpg|left|thumb|Birthplace at Via XX Agosto.]]
Albino Luciani was born on [[October 17]], 1912 in [[w:Canale d'Agordo|Forno di Canale]] (now Canale d'Agordo) in [[w:Province of Belluno|Belluno]], a province of the [[w:Veneto|Veneto]] region in Northern Italy. He was the son of Giovanni Luciani (1872?–1952), a bricklayer, and Bortola Tancon (1879?–1948). Albino was followed by two brothers, Federico (1915–1916) and Edoardo (1917–2008), and a sister, Antonia (1920–2009).

Luciani entered the [[w:Minor seminary|minor seminary]] of [[w:Feltre|Feltre]] in 1923, where his teachers found him "too lively", and later went on to the [[List of seminaries and theological schools|major seminary]] of Belluno. During his stay at Belluno, he attempted to join the [[w:Society of Jesus|Jesuits]], but was denied by the seminary's rector, Bishop [[w:Giosuè Cattarossi|Giosuè Cattarossi]].<ref group="note">[[w:David Yallop|Yallop, David]] (1985). ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=xQYuAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y In God's name: an investigation into the murder of Pope John Paul I].'' p.16, quotation:<br>

<blockquote>So strongly did the writings of Couwase ([[w:Jean Pierre de Caussade|Jean Pierre de Caussade]]) influence him that Luciani began to think seriously of becoming a Jesuit. He watched as first one, then a second, of his close friends went to the rector, Bishop Giouse Cattarossi, and asked for permission to join the Jesuit order. In both instances the permission was granted. Luciani went and asked for permission. The bishop considered the request, then responded, "No, three is one too many. You had better stay here."</blockquote></ref>

[[Ordination|Ordained]] a [[Presbyter|priest]] on [[July 7]], 1935, Luciani then served as a [[w:Curate|curate]] in his native Forno de Canale before becoming a professor and the vice-rector of the Belluno seminary in 1937. Among the different subjects, he taught [[dogma]]tic and moral theology, [[Canon law]] and sacred art.

In 1941, Luciani began to seek a [[w:Licentiate of Sacred Theology|doctorate in theology]] from the [[w:Pontifical Gregorian University|Pontifical Gregorian University]], which required at least one year's attendance in Rome. However, the seminary's superiors wanted him to continue teaching during his doctoral studies; the situation was resolved by a special [[w:Dispensation (Catholic Church)|dispensation]] of [[w:Pope Pius XII|Pope Pius XII]] himself, on [[March 27]], 1941. His thesis (''The origin of the human soul according to [[w:Antonio Rosmini-Serbati|Antonio Rosmini]]'') largely attacked Rosmini's theology, and earned him his doctorate ''[[w:Latin honors|magna cum laude]]''.

[[File:Venezia - Palazzo patriarcale - Lapide Giovanni Paolo I - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto, 8-Aug-2007.jpg|right|thumb|Tablet commemorating Luciani as Patriarch of Venice]].In 1947, he was named [[Protosyngellos|vicar general]] to Bishop [[w:Girolamo Bortignon|Girolamo Bortignon]], [[w:Order of Friars Minor Capuchin|OFM Cap]], of Belluno. Two years later, in 1949, he was placed in charge of diocesan [[Catechumen|catechetics]].

On [[December 15]], 1958, Luciani was appointed [[w:Roman Catholic Diocese of Vittorio Veneto|Bishop of Vittorio Veneto]] by [[w:Pope John XXIII|Pope John XXIII]]. He received his [[Consecration of a bishop|episcopal consecration]] on the following [[December 27]], from Pope John himself, with Bishops Bortignon and [[w:Gioacchino Muccin|Gioacchino Muccin]] serving as co-consecrators. As a bishop, he participated in all the sessions of the [[w:Second Vatican Council|Second Vatican Council]] (1962–1965).

On [[December 15]], 1969, he was appointed [[w:Patriarch of Venice|Patriarch of Venice]] by Pope [[Paul VI of Rome|Paul VI]] and took possession of the [[Archdiocese]] on [[February 3]], 1970. 

Pope Paul created Luciani [[w:Cardinal-Priest#Cardinal_priest|Cardinal-Priest]] of ''[[w:San Marco, Rome|San Marco, Rome]]'' in the [[w:Consistory|consistory]] on [[March 5]], 1973. On becoming a Cardinal, he said: ''"History is history. We must look to the future with fresh hopes and ideas."''<ref>''"Glassworker's son surprise choice for Pope."'' '''The Globe and Mail (Reuters).''' September 30, 1978.</ref> Catholics were struck by his [[humility]], a prime example being his embarrassment when Paul VI once removed his papal [[stole]] and put it on Patriarch Luciani. He recalls the occasion in his first ''Angelus'' thus:<ref name=ANGELUS1>[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_i/angelus/documents/hf_jp-i_ang_27081978_en.html "FIRST ANGELUS ADDRESS, Pope John Paul I"]. [[w:Vatican Publishing House|Libreria Editrice Vaticana]]. 27 August 1978. Retrieved 20 August 2012.</ref>

<blockquote>Pope Paul VI made me blush to the roots of my hair in the presence of 20,000 people, because he removed his stole and placed it on my shoulders. Never have I blushed so much!</blockquote>

===Papacy===
====Election====
[[File:New Pope JP1.jpg|right|thumb|The newly elected Pope John Paul I (on left), with Monsignor [[w:Virgilio Noè|Virgilio Noè]], then Papal Master of Ceremonies.]]
Luciani was elected on the fourth ballot of the [[w:Papal conclave, August 1978|August 1978]] [[w:Papal conclave|papal conclave]]. Senior Cardinal Deacon Pericle Felici announced that the Cardinals had elected Venice patriarch Albino Luciani to be Pope John Paul I.<ref>UPI.com. ''[http://www.upi.com/Audio/Year_in_Review/Events-of-1978/The-Election-of-Pope-John-Paul-II/12309251197005-5/ 1978 Year in Review: The Election of Pope John Paul II].'' Retrieved: 2012-08-20.</ref> He chose the [[w:Regnal name|regnal name]] of ''John Paul'', the first double name in the history of the papacy, explaining in his [[w:Angelus|Angelus]] that he took it as a thankful honour to his two immediate predecessors: John XXIII, who had named him a bishop, and [[Paul VI of Rome|Paul VI]], who had named him Patriarch of Venice and a [[w:Cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinal]].<ref name=THE-CONCLAVE>Gloria C. Molinari. ''[http://www.papaluciani.com/eng/conclave.htm The Conclave: 25 – 26 August 1978].'' Retrieved: 2012-08-20.</ref> He was also the first (and so far only) pope to use ''"the first"'' in his regnal name.<ref>[[w:David Yallop|Yallop, David]] (1985). ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=xQYuAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y In God's name: an investigation into the murder of Pope John Paul I].'' p.75.</ref><ref group="note">The last original name was [[w:Pope Lando|Pope Landone]] in 913 A.D.</ref>

<blockquote>"The choice of the name,...indicates he will work for the continued [[w:Aggiornamento|aggiornamento]] - renewal - of the church, as Pope John set it into motion, but, like [[Paul VI of Rome|Pope Paul]], will not allow either worldly pressures or the humanists within the church to allow that change to become disorderly."<ref>''"Catholic Church Gets Champion of the Poor; Combination of Names Hints New Pope's Direction."'' '''The Globe and Mail.''' Monday August 28, 1978.</ref></blockquote>

Observers have suggested that his selection was linked to the rumoured divisions between rival camps within the [[w:College of Cardinals|College of Cardinals]]:<ref name="THE-CONCLAVE"/>

* Conservatives and [[w:Roman Curia|Curialists]] supporting Cardinal [[w:Giuseppe Siri|Giuseppe Siri]], who favoured a more conservative interpretation or even correction of [[w:Second Vatican Council|Vatican II]]'s reforms. There remains a conspiracy theory (the so-called '[[w:Giuseppe_Siri#Conclave_speculation|Siri Conspiracy]]') concerning allegations Siri was actually elected in this conclave, but then forced to withdraw acceptance of his election.

* Those who favoured a more liberal interpretation of Vatican II's reforms, and some Italian cardinals supporting Cardinal [[w:Giovanni Benelli|Giovanni Benelli]], who was opposed because of his "autocratic" tendencies. 

Outside the Italians, who were experiencing diminished influence within the increasingly internationalist [[w:College of Cardinals|College of Cardinals]], were figures like Cardinal [[John Paul II|Karol Wojtyła]],<ref name="THE-CONCLAVE"/> and [[Benedict XVI|Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger]].

Over the days following the conclave, cardinals effectively declared that with general great joy they had elected "God's candidate".<ref name="THE-CONCLAVE"/> Argentine Cardinal [[w:Eduardo Francisco Pironio|Eduardo Francisco Pironio]] stated that, ''"We were witnesses of a moral miracle."''<ref name="THE-CONCLAVE"/> English Cardinal [[w:Basil Hume|Basil Hume]] commented that ''"Seldom have I had such an experience of the presence of God...I am not one for whom the dictates of the [[Holy Spirit]] are self-evident. I'm slightly hard-boiled on that...But for me he was God's candidate."''<ref name=NORWICH/> And later, [[w:Mother Teresa|Mother Teresa]] commented: ''"He has been the greatest gift of God, a sunray of God's love shining in the darkness of the world."''<ref name="THE-CONCLAVE"/>

Russian Metropolitan [[Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad]], who was present at his installation, collapsed and died during the ceremony, and the new Pope prayed over him.<ref>''"[http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/Cambridge/entries/046/Boris-Georgyevich-Rotov-Nikodi.html Boris Georgyevich Rotov Nikodim]".'' Crystal Reference Encyclopedia.</ref>

====Church Policies====
=====Humanising the papacy=====
After his election, John Paul quickly made several decisions that would "humanise" the office of pope, admitting publicly he had turned scarlet when Paul VI had named him the Patriarch of Venice. He was the first modern pope to speak in the singular form, using 'I' instead of the [[w:Majestic plural|royal we]], though the official records of his speeches were often rewritten in more formal style by traditionalist aides, who reinstated the royal we in press releases and in ''[[w:L'Osservatore Romano|L'Osservatore Romano]]''. He was the first to refuse the sedia gestatoria, until Vatican pressure convinced him of its need, in order to allow the faithful to see him.

He was the first pope to choose an "investiture" to commence his papacy rather than the traditional papal coronation.

One of his remarks, reported in the press, was that God "is our father; even more he is our mother,"<ref name=ANGELUS2>''"[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_i/angelus/documents/hf_jp-i_ang_10091978_en.html Angelus Address]".'' Vatican official website. 10 September 1978. Retrieved: May 20, 2012.</ref><ref>Edward Magri. ''"[http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IZwcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=g2cEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7022,6541738&dq=see+god+father+mother+pope-john-paul&hl=en Pontiff's Activities Summarized: Pope's Popularity Was Immediate]."'' Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Google News). Sat. September 30, 1978. Pg.5-A. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> referring to [[Isaiah]] 49:14–15, which compares God to a mother who will never forget her child Zion. The comment appeared in his [[September 10]] ''[[w:Angelus|Angelus]]'' address, which urged prayer for the upcoming [[w:Camp David Accords|Camp David Accords]].<ref name="ANGELUS2"/>
 
=====Encyclical on Devolution=====
John Paul I intended to prepare an [[w:Encyclical|encyclical]] in order to confirm the lines of the [[w:Second Vatican Council|Second Vatican Council]] ("an extraordinary long-range historical event and of growth for the Church," he said) and to enforce the Church's discipline in the life of priests and the faithful. In discipline, he was a reformist, instead, and was the author of initiatives such as the [[w:Devolution|devolution]]<ref group="note">'''Devolution''' is the statutory granting of powers from the central government of a sovereign state to government at a subnational level, such as a regional, local, or state level. Devolution can be mainly financial, e.g. giving areas a budget which was formerly administered by central government. However, the power to make legislation relevant to the area may also be granted.</ref> of one per cent of each church's entries for the poor churches in the [[w:Third World|Third World]]. 

The visit of [[w:Jorge Rafael Videla|Jorge Rafael Videla]], president of the Argentine junta, to the Vatican caused considerable controversy, especially when the Pope reminded Videla about [[w:Human rights|human rights]] violations taking place in Argentina during the so-called [[w:Dirty War|Dirty War]].
 
=====Moral theology=====
The moral theology of John Paul I has been openly debated due to his interpretation of [[w:Humanae Vitae|Humanae Vitae]].<ref group="note">An encyclical written by [[Paul VI of Rome|Pope Paul VI]] and issued on [[July 25]], 1968.</ref> According to journalist John L. Allen "John Paul I would not have insisted upon the negative judgment in [[w:Humanae Vitae|Humanae Vitae]] as aggressively and publicly as [[John Paul II]], and probably would not have treated it as a quasi-infallible teaching."<ref>John L. Allen Jr. ''"[http://www.nationalcatholicreporter.org/word/word090503.htm The battle over "theology of pluralism"; Pope John Paul I and the pill; keeping an eye on the conclave; Archbishop Denis Hurley reminisces about Vatican II]".'' National Catholic Reporter - The Word from Rome. September 5, 2003. Retrieved August 20, 2012.</ref><ref>Kay Withers. ''"Pope John Paul I and Birth Control."'' America. March 24, 1979. pp.233–34.</ref>

However, others have argued, "Luciani was intransigent with his upholding of the teaching of the Church and severe with those, who through intellectual pride and disobedience paid no attention to the Church's prohibition of contraception", though while not condoning the [[sin]], he was tolerant of those who sincerely tried and failed to live up to the Church's teaching."<ref name="Lauretta"/>
 
====Personality====
John Paul was regarded as a skilled communicator and writer, and has left behind some writings. His book ''[[w:Illustrissimi|Illustrissimi]]'', written while he was a Cardinal, is a series of letters to a wide collection of historical and fictional persons. Among those still available are his letters to [[Jesus]],<ref>Albino Luciani. ''"[http://www.papaluciani.com/eng/teachings/letters/illustrious/gesu2.htm Letters to Jesus Christ]".'' Papaluciani.com (Gloria C. Molinari). May 1974. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> King [[David]],<ref>Albino Luciani. ''"[http://www.papaluciani.com/eng/teachings/letters/illustrious/david2.htm Letter: the Biblical King David]".'' Papaluciani.com (Gloria C. Molinari). February 1972. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> Figaro the Barber,<ref>Albino Luciani. ''"[http://www.papaluciani.com/eng/teachings/letters/illustrious/figaro2.htm Figaro the Barber]".'' Papaluciani.com (Gloria C. Molinari). April 1972. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> Empress [[w:Maria Theresa|Maria Theresa]]<ref>Albino Luciani. ''"[http://www.papaluciani.com/eng/teachings/letters/illustrious/mariateresa2.htm Mary Theresa of Austria]".'' Papaluciani.com (Gloria C. Molinari). July 1971. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> and [[w:Pinocchio|Pinocchio]].<ref>Albino Luciani. ''"[http://www.papaluciani.com/eng/teachings/letters/illustrious/pinocchio2.htm Pinocchio]".'' Papaluciani.com (Gloria C. Molinari). June 1972. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> Others 'written to' included [[w:Mark Twain|Mark Twain]], [[w:Charles Dickens|Charles Dickens]] and [[w:Christopher Marlowe|Christopher Marlowe]].
 
John Paul impressed people with his personal warmth. There are reports that within the Vatican he was seen as an intellectual lightweight not up to the responsibilities of the papacy, although British author [[w:David Yallop|David Yallop]] (''"[[w:In God's Name|In God's Name]]"'') says that this is the result of a whispering campaign by people in the Vatican who were opposed to Luciani's policies. In the words of English journalist and author [[w:John Cornwell (writer)|John Cornwell]], "they treated him with condescension"; one senior cleric discussing Luciani said "they have elected [[w:Peter Sellers|Peter Sellers]]."<ref>[[w:Joseph McCabe|Joseph McCabe]]. ''[http://www.stanleyhero.com/history/History-of-the-Popes/History-of-the-Popes_9.php A History of the Popes.]'' Excerpts from: A History of the Popes, Section Nine.</ref> Critics contrasted his sermons mentioning ''[[w:Pinocchio|Pinocchio]]'' to the learned intellectual discourses of [[w:Pope Pius XII|Pius XII]] or [[Paul VI of Rome|Paul VI]]. Visitors spoke of his isolation and loneliness, and the fact that he was the first pope in decades not to have had either a diplomatic role (like [[w:Pope Pius XI|Pius XI]] and [[w:Pope John XXIII|John XXIII]]) or [[w:Roman Curia|Curial]] role (like Pius XII and Paul VI) in the Church.

His personal impact, however, was twofold: his image as a warm, gentle, kind man captivated the world. This image was immediately formed when he was presented to the crowd in [[w:Saint Peter's Square|St. Peter's Square]] following his election. The warmth of his presence made him a much-loved figure before he even spoke a word. The media in particular fell under his spell. He was a skilled [[w:List of orators|orator]]. Whereas [[Paul VI of Rome|Pope Paul VI]] spoke as if delivering a doctoral thesis, John Paul I produced warmth, laughter, a 'feel-good factor,' and plenty of media-friendly sound bites.

According to his aides, he was not the naive idealist his critics made him out to be. Cardinal [[w:Giuseppe Caprio|Giuseppe Caprio]], the substitute Papal Secretary of State, said that John Paul quickly accepted his new role and performed it with confidence.<ref group="note">"We must not be deceived by his smile. He listened, he asked for information, he studied. But once he made a decision, he did not go back on it, unless new facts came to light.... With absolute respect to persons, the Pope had no intentions of deviating from what had been the rule of his life and the direction of his pastoral action: fatherly, yes, but absolutely firm in the guidance of the souls entrusted by God to his care."<br>
:* Quoted in Raymond Seabeck. ''The Smiling Pope, The Life and Teaching of John Paul I.'' Our Sunday Visitor Press, 2004. p.65.</ref>

John Paul was the first pope to admit that the prospect of the papacy had daunted him to the point that other cardinals had to encourage him to accept it. He refused to have the millennium-old traditional [[w:Papal coronation|Papal Coronation]] and wear the [[w:Papal tiara|Papal Tiara]].<ref>Romano Pontifici Eligendo. ''Paul VI's Apostolic Constitution on the election on the pontiff - Section 92.'' 1975.</ref> He instead chose to have a simplified [[w:Papal inauguration|Papal Inauguration Mass]]. John Paul I used as his motto ''[[Humility|Humilitas]].'' In his notable ''Angelus'' of [[August 27]], 1978 (delivered on the first full day of his papacy) he impressed the world with his natural friendliness.<ref name=ANGELUS1/>

===Death===
[[File:Tomb of pope Johannes Paulus I.jpg|right|thumb|Tomb of John Paul I in the Vatican Grottoes.]]
John Paul I was found dead sitting up in his bed shortly before dawn on [[September 29]], 1978,<ref>NBC Radio News announces Pope John Paul I Death (In RealAudio).</ref> just 33 days into his papacy. The Vatican reported that the 65-year-old pope most likely died the previous night of a heart attack:

<blockquote>"The official version of Pope John Paul's death is that the pontiff, who would have been 66 years old on Oct. 17, succumbed to a 'massive' [[w:Myocardial infarction|cardiac infarction]], or heart attack, presumably around 11 p.m. on Sept. 29."<ref name=GLOBE-OCT7/></blockquote>

It has been claimed that the Vatican altered some of the details of the discovery of the death to avoid possible unseemliness<ref name=TRIBUNE/><ref>''"[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB0872605057EA5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM BISHOP TELLS STORY OF POPE JOHN PAUL I'S DEATH HE DEBUNKS CONSPIRACY THEORY, BUTS SAYS VATICAN ALTERED SOME DETAILS]".'' St. Louis Dispatch. 11 October 1998. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> in that he was discovered by Sister Vincenza, a nun.<ref>''"[http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=roIlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I_UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2820,1967300&dq=sister+vincenza+john+paul+i&hl=en Foul Play Suspected in Pope's Death?]".'' Baltimore Afro-American. 10 October 1978. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> 

As it is not the custom with the death of a pope, an autopsy was not performed. Yet this, along with inconsistent statements made following the Pope's death, led to a number of [[w:Pope John Paul I conspiracy theories|conspiracy theories concerning it]]. These statements relate to who found the Pope's body, the time when he was found, and what papers were in his hand. The Vatican has yet to investigate any of these claims.

At the pope's [[Memorial Services|funeral Mass]] in 1978 Cardinal [[w:Carlo Confalonieri|Carlo Confalonieri]] aptly observed: ''"He passed as a meteor which unexpectedly lights up the heavens and then disappears, leaving us amazed and astonished."''  <ref name=GUERNON>Mo Guernon. ''"The Forgotten Pope: Why Albino Luciani's Holiness Should be Celebrated."'' '''America'''. 205.12 (Oct. 24, 2011): pp.19+.</ref>

==Legacy==
Pope John Paul I was the first pope to abandon the [[w:Papal coronation|Papal Coronation]], and he was the first Pope to choose a double [[w:Papal name|name]] (John Paul) for his papal name. His successor, Cardinal [[John Paul II|Karol Wojtyla]], chose the same name. As pope, Luciani quickly discarded the royal "we" and disdained the [[w:Sedia gestatoria|sedia gestatoria]], the portable throne in which popes are hoisted onto the shoulders of their subjects and carried in majestic procession like conquering monarchs. This pope's unexpected greeting to those who met with him at the Vatican was, ''"How can I serve you?"''<ref name="GUERNON"/>

In just a month Pope John Paul I captured the hearts of people worldwide, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, who witnessed in him the welcome but unexpected triumph of [[humility]].<ref name="GUERNON"/> Luciani picked "[[Humility|Humilitas]]" as his episcopal motto, an appropriate choice for a prince of the church who regard-ed himself as ''"poor dust."'' ''"We must feel small before [[God]],"'' he preached; and he lived that conviction faithfully, often describing himself publicly as ''"a poor man accustomed to small things and silence."''<ref name="GUERNON"/>

According to Luciani biographer Loris Serafini, the dedication of a museum and library in the pope's honor will coincide with the centenary celebration of his birth on October 17, 2012.<ref name="GUERNON"/> 

===Initiation of His Canonisation Process===
The process of canonisation formally began in 1990 with the petition by 226 Brazilian bishops, including four cardinals.

On [[August 26]], 2002, Bishop Vincenzo Savio announced the start of the preliminary phase to collect documents and testimonies necessary to start the process of [[Glorification|canonisation]]. On [[June 8]], 2003 the [[w:Congregation for the Causes of Saints|Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] gave its assent to the work. On [[November 23]], the process formally opened in the Cathedral Basilica of [[w:Belluno|Belluno]] with Cardinal [[w:José Saraiva Martins|José Saraiva Martins]] in charge.<ref>{{it icon}} Congregation for the Causes of Saints. ''[http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20031123_papa-luciani_it.html Solemn Opening of the Cause for Canonization of the Servant of God, Albino Luciani, Pope John Paul I].'' 23 November 2003. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref><ref>UPI.com ''[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2006/11/12/John-Paul-I-on-sainthood-track/UPI-81341163314624/ John Paul I on Sainthood Track].'' United Press International, Nov 12, 2006. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> The Diocesan inquiry subsequently concluded on [[November 11]], 2006 at Belluno, without finding evidence of a miracle.<ref name=CENTURY>''"The Roman Catholic Church will investigate a life-saving miracle attributed to the late Pope John Paul I, bringing the pontiff who served only 33 days in 1978 one step closer to possible sainthood."'' '''The Christian Century''' 124.8 (Apr. 17, 2007): p15.</ref>

In June 2009, the Vatican began the "Roman" phase of the beatification process for John Paul I, drawing upon the testimony of Giuseppe Denora di Altamura who claimed to have been cured of lymphoma cancer 14 years earlier through the intercession of the late pope.<ref name=CENTURY/> An official investigation into the alleged miracle is now under way.<ref>Edward Pentin. ''[http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/jpi_miracle_goes_to_rome John Paul I's Miracle Goes to Rome].'' National Catholic Register, June 08, 2009. Retrieved: August 20, 2012.</ref> 

For Luciani to be [[w:Beatification|beatified]], the investigators have to certify at least one [[miracle]]. For [[Glorification|canonisation]] there must be a second miracle, though the reigning pope may waive these requirements altogether, as is often done in the case of beatified popes.<ref>''[http://www.catholic-pages.com/saints/explained.asp What Is a Saint?]'' Catholic-Pages.com. JUL 29, 1997.</ref>

==As Author==
* Pope John Paul I. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=Yex2o7Ta48UC&source=gbs_navlinks_s Illustrissimi: The Letters of Pope John Paul I].'' Transl.: Isabel Quigly. Reprinted: Gracewing Publishing, 2001. 290 pp. ISBN 9780852445495
* Pope John Paul I. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=a6wtAQAAIAAJ&q=inauthor:%22Pope+John+Paul+I%22&dq=inauthor:%22Pope+John+Paul+I%22&source=bl&ots=6l0Bd7II4u&sig=zwHT9-hsPfU3ZsUPL_gveeLIl18&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1t4yUIL3POf96wHk2IDYDg&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBA Pope John Paul I].'' United States Catholic Conference, 1979. 27 pp. <small>(Text of six separate addresses of Pope John Paul I)</small>
* John Paul I on EWTN. Speech on ''"[http://www.ewtn.org/library/PAPALDOC/JP1PROGR.HTM Church Discipline, Evangelization, Ecumenism, Peace]."'' L'Osservatore Romano, Weekly Edition in English, 31 August 1978, page 6.

==In the Media==
* Americian singer-songwriter [[w:Patti Smith|Patti Smith]]'s recitative song ''"Wave"'' is about Luciani, and her 1979 ''[[w:Wave (Patti Smith Group album)|Wave]]'' album is dedicated to him.

* In 1984 [[w:David Yallop|David Yallop]]'s book ''[[w:In God's Name|In God's Name]]'' developed the theories behind the alleged murder of John Paul I.

* In 1986 the play ''[[w:Hey, Luciani|Hey, Luciani]]'', which was written by Mark E. Smith, best known as the lead singer of the English band [[w:The Fall (band)|The Fall]], ran for two weeks at [[w:Riverside Studios|Riverside Studios]], Hammersmith, west London. In the same month The Fall released one of the songs from the play, ''"Hey! Luciani,"'' as a single.

* In 1989 [[w:John Cornwell (writer)|John Cornwell]]'s book ''[[w:A Thief in the Night (Cornwell book)|A Thief in the Night (Cornwell book)]]'' challenged previous writings on the subject by David Yallop.

* The 1990 film ''[[w:The Godfather Part III|The Godfather Part III]]'' included the assassination theory of Pope John Paul I, although the character's lay name differs from the actual Pope's.

* [[w:Robert Littell (author)|Robert Littell]]'s 2002 book ''[[w:The Company (novel)|The Company]]'' portrays John Paul I's death as a KGB-directed assassination.

* In 2006, the Italian Public Broadcasting Service, [[w:RAI|RAI]], produced a television miniseries about the life of John Paul I, called ''Papa Luciani: Il sorriso di Dio'' (literally, "Pope Luciani: The smile of God"). It stars Italian comedian Neri Marcorè in the titular role.

* Portuguese author Luis Miguel Rocha's 2008 fiction book ''[[w:The Last Pope|The Last Pope]]'' claims that John Paul I was assassinated.

* On 11 October 2008, [[w:BBC Radio 4|BBC Radio 4]] broadcast ''Conclave'' by [[w:Hugh Costello|Hugh Costello]] as part of the ''Saturday Play'' series, starring David Calder as Cardinal Franz Koenig, Allison Reid as Hannah Popper, Nicholas Le Prevost as Cardinal Giovanni Benelli and Andrew Hilton as Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (the future [[John Paul II]]). The play takes place after John Paul I's mysterious death, with the election of a new Pope taking place in an atmosphere of high tension between opposing factions within the Vatican (including those who want to elect the first non-Italian Pope for over four hundred years). The production was re-broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on [[February 25]], 2011 as part of the ''Friday Play'' series.
 
==See also==
'''Wikipedia'''<br>
* [[w:Papal conclave, August 1978|Papal conclave, August 1978]]
* [[w:Moral theology of John Paul I|Moral theology of John Paul I]]
* [[w:Pope John Paul I conspiracy theories|Pope John Paul I conspiracy theories]]
* ''[[w:In God's Name|In God's Name]].'' <small>(A 1984 book by British author David Yallop about Pope John Paul I's death)</small>
* ''[[w:A Thief in the Night (Cornwell book)|A Thief in the Night]].'' <small>(A 1989 book by British historian and journalist John Cornwell, in which the author challenges previous writings on the subject by David Yallop)</small>


{{start box}} 

{{succession|
before=[[w:Giovanni Urbani|Giovanni Urbani]]|
title=[[w:Patriarch of Venice|Patriarch of Venice]]|
years=1970–1978|
after=[[w:Marco Cé|Marco Cé]]}}
{{succession|
before=[[Paul VI of Rome]]|
title=[[Pope|Roman Catholic Pope]]|
years=26 August 1978 - 28 September 1978|
after=[[John Paul II]]}}

{{end box}}


==Further Reading==
'''Books'''<br>
* [[w:Peter Hebblethwaite|Peter Hebblethwaite]]. ''[http://www.amazon.ca/Year-Three-Popes-Peter-Hebblethwaite/dp/0002150476/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345568330&sr=1-2 The Year of Three Popes].'' Collins, 1978. 229 pp. ISBN 9780002150477
* [[w:David Yallop|David Yallop]]. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=EIM8PgAACAAJ&dq=inauthor%3A%22David%20A.%20Yallop%22&source=gbs_book_other_versions In God's Name: An Investigation Into the Murder of Pope John Paul I].'' 1984. Reprint: Carroll & Graf, 2007. 480 pp.  ISBN 9780786719846 
* [[w:John Cornwell (writer)|John Cornwell]]. ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Thief_in_the_Night_%28Cornwell_book%29 A Thief in the Night: Life and Death in the Vatican].'' 1989. Reprint: Penguin Books, 2001. 366 pp. ISBN 9780141001838
* Raymond Seabeck and Lauretta Seabeck. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=NK2NA26s0UAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false The Smiling Pope: The Life And Teaching Of John Paul I]'' Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, 2004. 253 pp. ISBN 9781931709972
* George Lucien Gregoire. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=1r1vp40-BtQC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false Murder in the Vatican].'' AuthorHouse, 2008. 404 pp. ISBN 9781434387226
* {{it icon}} Loris Serafini. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=jJ2bNwAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=editions:ISBN8825021038 Albino Luciani. Il papa del sorriso]. (Albino Luciani. The Smiling Pope)'' 3rd Edition. EMP, 2008. 192 pp. ISBN 9788825021035
* {{sp icon}} Fr. Jesús López Sáez. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=uzaPygAACAAJ&dq=editions:XZ98GB3h8qIC&source=bl&ots=RfXIUUmcJ0&sig=3s6mxm9cia9CN21nTzVrM5Pmawc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=wRI1UKrEGcfb0QGh6YHoDQ&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAQ Juan Pablo I: Caso Abierto] (John Paul I: Cold Case).'' Sepha, 2010. 382 pp. ISBN 9788496764934
* {{sp icon}} Fr. Jesús López Sáez. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=Nlb0AAAACAAJ&dq=editions:ehwUZKkJ90cC&source=bl&ots=no0lx1HMv7&sig=Spsb7iaV3Bn_8IjRVnNSXyBtAzE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DBI1UNj0N4Su0AHzoYD4BQ&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA Se Pedirá Cuenta: Muerte Y Figura De Juan Pablo I (Colección Tratados de testimonio)].'' 3rd Edition. Orígenes, 1991. 175 pp. ISBN 9788478250462
'''Books In Fiction'''
* {{fr icon}} [[w:Vladimir Volkoff|Vladimir Volkoff]]. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=-c8dAQAAIAAJ&dq=bibliogroup:%22L'h%C3%B4te+du+pape%22&source=gbs_book_similarbooks L'hôte du Pape: Roman] (The Pope’s Guest).''  Rocher, 2004. 334 pp. ISBN 9782268049328 
* [[w:Luís Miguel Rocha|Luís Miguel Rocha]]. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=0L7jXKWluVAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false The Last Pope].'' Penguin, 2009. 419 pp. ISBN 9780515146608  
'''Articles'''<br>
* Mo Guernon. ''"The Forgotten Pope: Why Albino Luciani's Holiness Should be Celebrated."'' '''America'''. 205.12 (Oct. 24, 2011): pp.19+.
* [[w:John Julius Norwich|John Julius Norwich]]. ''"WAS POPE JOHN PAUL I MURDERED? A sealed bed chamber. An archbishop with links to the Mafia. An embalming carried out with indecent - improper - haste... And one leading historian's burning question:."'' '''Mail on Sunday''' [London, England] 8 May 2011: 26. 
* ''"The Roman Catholic Church will investigate a life-saving miracle attributed to the late Pope John Paul I, bringing the pontiff who served only 33 days in 1978 one step closer to possible sainthood."'' '''The Christian Century''' 124.8 (Apr. 17, 2007): p15. 
* Levi Fernandes. ''"Pope John Paul I assassinated over reform plans, author charges."'' '''Agence France Presse -- English'''. December 18, 2005 Sunday 4:38 AM GMT.
* ''"Belluno Bishop Says John Paul I Died From Stroke."'' '''ANSA English Media Service.''' January 2, 2004.
* Tom Newton Dunn. ''"Was Murder Committed in the Vatican? Cardinal [[w:Aloísio Lorscheider|Aloisio Lorscheider]] Talks of Doubts Over the Death of Pope John Paul I."'' '''The Mirror.''' August 28, 1998, Friday. pg.8.
* [[w:Eugene Kennedy|Eugene Kennedy]] (Professor of Psychology at Loyola University). ''"Was The Pope Murdered?"'' '''The New York Times.''' November 5, 1989, Sunday, Late Edition - Final. Section 7; Page 15, Column 1; Book Review Desk.
* ''"Vatican still owes us an up-front accounting of role in bank collapse."'' '''The Toronto Star (Saturday Second Edition).''' August 8, 1987. Pg. M13.
* ''"Vatican Rejects Poison Charge as 'Fanciful'."'' '''The Miami Herald.''' June 13, 1984 Wednesday.
* ''"Several Questions Unanswered in Pope's Death."'' '''The Globe and Mail.''' Sunday October 7, 1978.
* ''"[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946069,00.html Religion: How Pope John Paul I Won]."'' '''TIME''' Sept. 11, 1978.
* ''"A Pastor for Pope."'' '''The Globe and Mail.''' Monday August 28, 1978.
* ''"Catholic Church Gets Champion of the Poor; Combination of Names Hints New Pope's Direction."'' '''The Globe and Mail.''' Monday August 28, 1978.

==Notes==
<references group="note" />

==References== 
<div><references/></div>

==Sources==
* [[w:Pope John Paul I|Pope John Paul I]]. Wikipedia (Retrieved: August 20, 2012).

==External Links==
* The Holy See. ''[http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_i/index.htm John Paul I].'' (Vatican's website)
* SaintPetersBasilica.org. ''[http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org/Grottoes/JPI/Tomb%20of%20John%20Paul%20I.htm The Tomb of John Paul I - Vatican Grottoes].''
* ''[http://www.fondazionepapaluciani.com/albino_luciani Fondazione Papa Luciani Giovanni Paolo I].'' (Website of the Foundation Papa Luciani - English).
* An interview with Dr [[w:John Magee (bishop)|John Magee]], former private secretary to John Paul I, on the occasion of John Paul II's funeral is ''[http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/2036899.smil available here].'' From [[w:Radio Telefís Éireann|RTÉ]] [[w:RTÉ Radio 1|Radio One]]'s "News At One" on [http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0408/news1pm.html 8 April 2005]. 


[[Category:Roman Catholic Popes]]
[[Category:Non-Orthodox]]