Pope John Paul I

Pope John Paul I born Albino Luciani (October 17, 1912 – September 28, 1978), reigned as pope and as sovereign of Vatican City from August 26 to September 28, 1978. His 33-day papacy was one of the shortest reigns in papal history. He is best remembered for his friendliness and humility, and is nicknamed "the smiling Pope".

Sourced

• I come without five lire. I want to leave without five lire.
  • David Yallop, "In God's Name" (Corgi, 1987), p. 44.
  • On being appointed as Bishop of Vittorio Veneto, December 1958. Luciani declined gifts offered to him by the priests of the diocese.

• In 1815, the official French newspaper Le Moniteur, showed its readers how to follow Napoleon's progress: 'The brigand flees from the island of Elba'; 'The usurper arrives at Grenoble'; ' Napoleon enters Lyons'; 'The Emperor reaches Paris this evening'.
  • "Letter to St Bernard" in "Illustrissimi" (1976).

• Yesterday, a funny thing happened to me on my way to the Conclave.
  • David Yallop, "In God's Name" (Corgi, 1987), p. 132.
  • Address to the crowd in St Peter's Square on 27 August 1978, the day after his election.

• We wish to continue in following up the legacy of the Second Vatican Council whose wise regulations have still to be led to their fulfilment, being careful that a push, generous perhaps, but unduly timed, does not detract from the content and meaning of the council, and on the other hand being careful and reined and timid efforts do not slow up the magnificent drive of renewal and of life.
  • Peter Nichols, "Pope John Paul will continue policy of reform", The Times, August 28, 1978, p. 1.
  • Address to the crowd in St Peter's Square on 27 August 1978, the day after his election.

Attributed

• I am at best on the C list for Pope.
  • Remarks to journalists in August 1978, shortly before departing for the Conclave at which he was elected Pope.
• I will see you tomorrow, if God wills it.
  • Last words. About one hour after saying this, he suffered a fatal heart attack.

About

• For my part, he was God's candidate.
  • Cardinal Basil Hume, Archbishop of Westminster. Quoted in Peter Nichols, "Pope John Paul will continue policy of reform", The Times, August 28, 1978, p. 1.