‘Smiling Pope’ takes first step to sainthood

Pope

Francis has recognised the “heroic virtues” of Pope John Paul I, one of the shortest-lived popes in history, in the first step towards sainthood, the Vatican said yesterday.

Dubbed “the smiling pope”, John Paul I served as pontiff from 26 August 1978 to his sudden death 33 days later, which quickly became fertile ground for conspiracy theorists.

Born Albino Luciani, the son of a bricklayer, he was the last Italian pope and a particularly warm and pastoral figure. (AFP)