Vatican City, Apr 28, 2020 / 08:00 am
Pope Francis has instituted a Vatican foundation to promote the thought and teachings of Venerable John Paul I, who was pope for 33 days in 1978.
The John Paul I foundation was formally established with a papal rescript Feb. 17, according to the April 28 Vatican announcement.
According to a note signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the foundation's purpose "is to promote and disseminate awareness of the thought, works, and example of Pope John Paul I."
Often called "the smiling pope," John Paul I died unexpectedly on Sept. 28, 1978 after just 33 days in office. A priority of his short pontificate was carrying forward the work of the Second Vatican Council.