Pope Francis has approved the beatification of Albino Luciani, better known as Pope John Paul I. The miracle attributed to his intercession is the scientifically inexplicable healing of a girl in Argentina who suffered from a brain disease.
Albino Luciani was elected Pope in 1978, when he was 65 years old. He addressed the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square with these words.
POPE JOHN PAUL I
1978
'Yesterday morning, I went to the Sistine Chapel to vote. Calmly. I never would have imagined what was about to happen.'
And no one would have imagined that he would be found dead just 33 days after his election. But in those 33 days, Pope John Paul I managed to introduce a new style into the papacy.
He is often remembered as the smiling Pope because of his warm sense of humor. He was also a gifted writer and communicator.
POPE JOHN PAUL I
1978
'I answered, “Could it be? I find it strange that I can be led by someone who cannot see.” The blind woman then took my hand and sighed. “Walk!” It was faith.'
Pope John Paul I's beatification will likely take place in 2022, bringing him one step closer to sainthood.
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