John Paul I. - Overview

Pope John Paul I, born Albino Luciani (17 October 1912 – 28 September 1978) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 26 August 1978 until his death 33 days later. His reign is among the shortest in papal history, giving rise to the most recent year of three popes, the first since 1605. As of 2025, John Paul I remains the most recent Italian-born pope, the last in a succession of such popes that started with Clement VII in 1523.