NPR

John Paul I, who served as pope for 33 days, moves a step closer to sainthood

The ceremony in St. Peter's Square on Sunday constituted the last formal step in the Vatican before possible sainthood for Albino Luciani, an Italian who died 33 days after he was elected pontiff.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Sunday beatified one of his predecessors, John Paul I, a briefly serving pontiff who distinguished himself with his humility and cheerfulness, and whose abrupt death in his bedroom in 1978 shocked the world and fueled suspicions for years about his demise.

The ceremony in St. Peter's Square constituted the last formal step in the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
U.S. Troops And Equipment Will Leave Niger By Mid-September, The Pentagon Says
Niger's decision to kick out American forces dealt a blow to U.S. military operations in the Sahel. U.S. troops and some gear already have begun leaving the country.
NPR1 min read
Don't Fight Back
In 1964, the Birmingham Barons become Alabama's first integrated sports team. This is 17 years after Jackie Robinson integrated the Major Leagues. What took so long?Today, we hear how baseball helps desegregate America's most segregated city. Roy Woo
NPR1 min read
New Music Friday: The best albums out June 14
This week, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers steer the New Music Friday podcast straight into the oncoming Father's Day weekend, following the lead of country superstar Luke Combs, whose new album Fathers & Sons is a heartfelt meditati

Related Books & Audiobooks