- Mother Teresa
For Catholics, 1978 was the year of three popes, including one who would serve only 33 days.
Born October 17, 1912 (the first pope born in the 20th century), to poor, working-class parents in rural Italy, Albino Luciani was ordained to the priesthood in 1935.
After many years of service in his diocese, he became bishop of the Diocese of Vittorio Veneto in 1958. In December 1969, Pope Paul VI named him archbishop of Venice.
Venice's new archbishop shunned pomp and circumstance. He often walked or bicycled through the city streets, greeting folks, making himself as available as possible to them. He also stressed service to the poor.
Archbishop Luciani broke with tradition when he was elected pope on August 26, 1978, succeeding Paul VI. The new pope chose two names for his papacy - John (in thanksgiving for John XXIII who made him a bishop) and Paul (in thanksgiving for Paul VI who named him a cardinal).
John Paul I would candidly admit that the prospect of becoming pope had been daunting. At the conclave, when asked if he accepted his election as pope, he is said to have responded, "May God forgive you for what you have done ... I accept."
The new pope opted for a papal tiara (instead of the elaborate papal crown) and a simpler inaugural Mass. His motto was Humilitas. He emphasized the servant role of the pope. He was also the first modern pope to use "I" rather than "We" when he spoke. His simplicity and approachability earned him the nickname, the "smiling pope."
Pope John Paul I died September 28, 1978, and was succeeded by Pope John Paul II.
- Little Burgundy Book, Diocese of Saginaw