Today is the 34th anniversary of papal election of Albino Luciani as Pope John Paul I. He's remembered for being the smiling pope and the pope who reigned for 33 days. In some way, Divine Providence gave us this gift and then opened the door for yet another. John Paul's cause for canonization is being studied.O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope John Paul I, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.
George Weigel gives his reflections here.
