Pope John Paul I — Profile, Rankings & Fame Trend

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

He led the Catholic Church for 33 days — August to September 1978 — then died, making it the first year of three popes since 1605. The brevity and the sudden end are why the name still pulls attention.

Biography

About

Albino Luciani was born 17 October 1912 and became the first pope with a double name, choosing "John Paul" to honor John XXIII and Paul VI, the men who made him bishop and cardinal. He told confidants before the August 1978 conclave that he would decline if elected, but accepted out of obligation. Italy called him "The Pope of the smile." He died 28 September 1978, 33 days into his papacy. John Paul II declared him Servant of God in 2003; Francis beatified him in 2022.

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Pope John Paul I

Pope John Paul I

said30 Sep 1978

Even the young are killing each other.

— Upon hearing that neo-fascist youth had attacked other youth reading a communist paper, as quoted in "From the archive, 30 September 1978:

Pope John Paul I

said24 Sep 1978

People sometimes say: "we are in a society that is all rotten, all dishonest." That is not true. There are still so many good people, so many honest people.

— Angelus (24 September 1978)

Pope John Paul I

said24 Sep 1978

Pius X, in 1906, right here in Rome, had beatified the sixteen Carmelites of Compiègne, martyrs during the French revolution.

— Angelus (24 September 1978)

Pope John Paul I

said10 Sep 1978

We are the objects of undying love on the part of God. We know: he has always his eyes open on us, even when it seems to be dark. He is our father; even more he is our mother.

— Angelus (10 September 1978); in an audience with Philippine bishops on 28 September 1978, he further elaborated: According to tales told by

Pope John Paul I

said27 Aug 1978