Holy Father Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decree approving his predecessor’s heroic virtues which confers on him the title ‘Venerable’. Pope John Paul I has moved a step closer to sainthood with the recognition his spiritual virtues. His Holiness Pope Francis also authorized 7 other decrees along with that of John Paul I- two of them on martyrdom and 5 on heroic virtues.
Pope John Paul I whose heroic virtues Pope Francis has approved and declared him ‘Venerable Servant of God’ had a brief papacy of just 33 days, yet has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church. Already two miracles are attributed to his intercession and are under examination. If any of them is recognized, he would be declared for Beatification.
Pope John Paul I, a ‘Smiling Pope’ as he is called in the short duration of his pontificate gave nine speeches, three messages, wrote three Apostolic letters and four other official letters, gave two homilies and had five Sunday Angelus prayers and four Wednesday audiences.
