Recalling 'the smiling Pope,' John Paul I, on anniversary of his election

August 27, 2012

Marking the anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul I, who was chosen by the conclave on August 26, 1978, the Vatican newspaper offered a retrospective on the short reign of the “smiling Pope.”

In his first words after his election, L’Osservatore Romano recalled, Pope John Paul I offered a vision “tinged with solemnity, yet at the same time affection, and which seems to have been born from the delicate pulsation of his heart.” During his 33 days as Roman Pontiff he showed a style that was “humble, simple, creative and direct, instantly fired the enthusiasm of the crowd that filled the oval square and even elicited outbursts of affection in the Vatican buildings.”

The 100th anniversary of the birth of Albino Luciani, the future Pope John Paul I, will fall on October 17 of this year, L’Osservatore reminded readers.

 

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Further information:

• The heritage of Albino Luciani?on the centenary of his birth (L'Osservatore Romano)