Our Blessed Friends #6

“IF G’D WILLS IT”

Pope John Paul I

“The pope is dead!” Sister Vincenza cried to Sister Margherita. This, of course, is a very serious claim in the Vatican. He sisters ran to the pope’s quarters and threw open the door. The “smiling pope” wore a smile even in death. His reading light was still on, and he held in his hands a few sheets of paper. This pope’s 33-day reign had come to a silent close. But who was he, and what holy thing had he done?

Albino Luciani was born into a poor family in 1912. When he was in the fourth grade, he decided to become a priest. He began his studies when he was eleven and was ordained when he was twenty-two. His faithfulness to his family remained. Even through his years at the seminary, he returned home annually to help in the fields. 

Albino was a very bright scholar. He managed to teach at a notable seminary in Belluno while earning a doctorate in theology in Rome. He was put in charge of religious education in Belluno in 1948 and published a short book, Catechisi in Briciole, or Catechetical Crumbs, for his students. 

In 1958, Albino became bishop of Vittorio Veneto. He dealt with a religious scandal while in office. Two priests in his diocese had taken thousands of dollars from the people. Albino made up for it himself. 

Albino made many decisive stands, especially after the Second Vatican Council. He spoke on wide range of topics, often focused on 

the priesthood. In 1969, Albino was appointed archbishop of Venice. 

Albino continued to help the poor and speak out boldly about politics, communism, abortion and divorce, among other things. 

Albino was elected pope nine years later. He was titled the “smiling pope”, and anyone who saw him would agree the nickname was perfect. Very jovial and always beaming, it was easy to see that Jesus Christ was the king of his heart. Taking the name John Paul I, he continued to stand up bravely for the teachings of the faith, even though it was overwhelming. He also understood his own humanity, saying, “I AM AT BEST ON THE C LIST FOR POPE.”

On 28 September 1978, the pope died suddenly in his sleep after only 33 days in office. Though his reign was short, as was his life, his resignation to the will of G’D was always strong. “I WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW, IF G’D WILLS IT,” he often said. The “smiling pope” shows that even through a short, quiet life, we can still become saints!