Blessed Pope John Paul I

October 17, 1912 - September 28, 1978

Feast Day: August 26

Also known as the Laughing Pope

Albino Luciani was born in Canale d'Agordo, Italy, in 1912. He was Patriarch of Venice when he was elected Pope on August 26, 1978. With his choice of name, he honored his two immediate predecessors, Paul VI and John XXIII.

This Pope, John Paul I, was called "the laughing Pope" because of his friendly countenance and goodness.

John Paul I died on September 28, 1978. At just 33 days, his pontificate is one of the shortest in the history of the Church.

Miracle recognized:

The Vatican announced the acknowledgment of the miracle today. According to the website of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, an 11-year-old girl has been healed from acute inflammation of the brain, persistent seizures and septic shock.

The girl was hospitalized. The priest of the parish where the hospital is located decided to invoke the intercession of John Paul I. The girl recovered medically inexplicably.

This opens the way to beatification of the man nicknamed 'the laughing pope'.

On November 7, 2017, Luciani was declared venerable by Pope Francis, through the intercession of the Congregation for the Holy and Beatitudes. That is the first step towards beatification.

John Paul I, one of the shortest-serving popes in history, was succeeded by John Paul II, who has already been canonized.

Latest news:

Pope Francis I beatified John Paul I on Sunday September 4, 2022,  who reigned as pope for only 33 days, amid a thunderstorm in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.