Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-francis-angelus-multiplication-loaves-catechesis.html
Pope at Angelus: ‘Incarnation calls us to recognize Jesus in others’
22 August 2021, 12:08

In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis reflects on the “scandal” of the Incarnation of the Son of God, and urges Christians to draw near to Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis took his cue at the Angelus on Sunday from the day’s Gospel (Jn 6:60-69), in which Jesus’ disciples react to His speech following the multiplication of the loaves.

Jesus had told His disciples that only those who “eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248745/pope-francis-do-not-water-down-the-truth-of-the-eucharist
Pope Francis: Do not water down the truth of the Eucharist
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 22, 2021 / 05:00 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2021/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20210822.html
POPE FRANCIS
ANGELUS
Saint Peter's Square
Sunday, 22 August 2021

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-francis-message-italian-71st-liturgy-conference.html

Pope Francis: ‘Liturgy needs to return to center of Christian faith’
23 August 2021, 11:05

Pope Francis sends greetings to participants in an Italian liturgical conference, and says last year’s Covid-lockdown can help the Church rediscover the importance of the Sunday Eucharistic assembly.
By Devin Watkins

As part of the 71st National Liturgical Week, Italian clergy and laypeople are gathered in the northern city of Cremona for a conference organized by the Center for Liturgical Action.

Pope Francis kicked off the 4-day event with a message signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

In his message, the Pope thanked God that the conference could be held this year in-person, “following last year’s disheartening moment” caused by the pandemic.

“The painful decision to postpone the event,” said the Pope, “has however confirmed in a new light the chosen theme which seeks to deepen reflection on various aspects of ‘celebrating’, which was put to the test by the spread of Covid-19 and the necessary restrictions to contain it.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248747/sunday-mass-should-be-the-culmination-of-all-parish-activities-cardinal-parolin-says
Sunday Mass should be the culmination of all parish activities, Cardinal Parolin says
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Aug 23, 2021 / 10:37 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-laudato-si-inter-university-congress-videomessage.html

Pope: Laudato si’ is not only a ‘green’ Encyclical but also a ‘social' Encyclical
24 August 2021, 14:00

Pope Francis greets members of the Laudato si’ Inter-University Congress and highlights the importance of promoting social awareness to the care of our common home.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has sent greetings to the members of the Laudato si’ Inter-University Congress scheduled to hold from 1-4 September in Argentina.

In the video message delivered in Spanish, he expressed hope that the initiative will “advance social awareness and consciousness” for the care of our common home.

“The Encyclical Laudato si' is not only a 'green' Encyclical, it is also a 'social' Encyclical,” the Pope said, hoping that the Congress will help its scope and consequences to become more visible.

Finally, with a request for prayers for himself, the Pope blessed the participants at the Congress.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-donates-aid-to-haiti-bangladesh-vietnam.html

Pope donates aid to Haiti, Bangladesh, Vietnam
24 August 2021, 13:57

The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development details humanitarian aid sent by Pope Francis to assist people in Haiti, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, who are suffering from natural disasters and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Gabriella Ceraso

The Pope's concern for the battered and forgotten Caribbean island of Haiti has also taken concrete form, after an appeal for solidarity launched at the Angelus on August 15 with the invocation of Our Lady's protection. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, headed by Cardinal Peter Turkson, notes that Pope Francis has decided to send a preliminary contribution of 200,000 euros for the relief of the population in this phase of the post-earthquake emergency, a phase that is linked to the already difficult situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has caused about 600 victims in the collapsed health situation on the island.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-08/holy-see-expresses-deep-concern-over-crisis-in-afghanistan.html

Holy See expresses deep concern over crisis in Afghanistan
24 August 2021, 15:02

Respect for human dignity and inclusive dialogue marked two key concerns brought up by the Holy See representative in Geneva at the 31st Special Session of the Human Rights Council, “On the serious human rights concerns and situation in Afghanistan.”
Vatican News staff writer

The Holy See continues to follow the developments in Afghanistan "with great attention and deep concern," and has renewed the appeal launched by Pope Francis on August 15 calling on all people to pray with him “to the God of peace so that the clamour of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue." Only in this way, he said at the time, "can the battered population of that country – men, women, elderly and children – return to their own homes, and live in peace and security, in total mutual respect.”
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/08/italian-newspaper-claims-vatican-in-touch-with-taliban-over-afghan-refugees/
Italian newspaper claims Vatican in touch with Taliban over Afghan refugees
By Inés San Martín
Aug 23, 2021

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-hypocrisy-jeopardises-the-unity-of-the-church.html
Pope at Audience: Hypocrisy jeopardises the unity of the Church
25 August 2021, 09:36

At the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis warns about a type of “formalism” which can lead to hypocrisy, and in turn threatens the unity of the Church.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis continued his commentary on St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians at Wednesday’s General Audience, highlighting the dangers of a purely formal adherence to the Law.

The Holy Father began his reflection with a consideration of an episode recounted by St Paul, where the Apostle reproached St Peter for his hypocritical behaviour.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-francis-paralympic-earthquake-appeal.html
Pope prays for Paralympians and victims of 2016 Italy earthquake
25 August 2021, 10:55

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248768/pope-francis-at-the-general-audience-hypocrisy-in-the-church-is-particularly-detestable
Pope Francis: ‘Hypocrisy in the Church is particularly detestable’
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Aug 25, 2021 / 03:55 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210825_udienza-generale.html
POPE FRANCIS
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Audience Hall
Wednesday, 25 August 2021

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Hmmm...

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-rabbis-ask-pope-clarify-remarks-jewish-law-2021-08-25/
Israeli rabbis ask pope to clarify remarks on Jewish law
By Philip Pullella
August 25, 2021
7:44 AM CDT

VATICAN CITY, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Israel's top Jewish religious authorities have told the Vatican they are concerned about comments that Pope Francis made about their books of sacred law and have asked for a clarification.

In a letter seen by Reuters, Rabbi Rasson Arousi, chair of the Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel for Dialogue with the Holy See, said the comments appeared to suggest Jewish law was obsolete.

Vatican authorities said they were studying the letter and were considering a response.

Rabbi Arousi wrote a day after the pope spoke about the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, during a general audience on Aug. 11.
 
The general audience on Aug. 11--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210811_udienza-generale.html
POPE FRANCIS
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Audience Hall
Wednesday, 11 August 2021

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-08/laudato-si-movement-gregory-asner-climate-change-faith.html

Laudato si’: ‘Science offers faith tools amid climate crisis’
26 August 2021, 15:57

As Pope Francis meets with the members of the Laudato si’ Movement, climate scientist Gregory Asner explains that science can offer tools to Catholic faithful in the effort to research and combat climate change.
By Devin Watkins

“Laudato si’ speaks to people in ways that a scientist cannot. Pope Francis really gives us a gift to communicate where science plays into integral ecology, as part of a larger responsibility.”

That remark sums up for one scientist the Pope’s contribution to promoting integral ecology among people of all religions.

According to Gregory Asner, a US-born climate and biodiversity scientist, faith and science can work together on the issue of climate change and are not opposed, as seen in the Pope’s 2015 encyclical.

Mr. Asner spoke to Jean-Charles Putzolu on the sidelines of a papal audience in the Vatican on Thursday with the Laudato si’ Movement, formerly known as the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-08/laudato-si-movement-interview-lorna-gold-pope-francis-encyclical.html
Dr. Lorna Gold: Protection of our common home is essential to Christian faith
26 August 2021, 16:21

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-francis-appointment-secretary-dicastery-human-development.html

Pope names Sr. Smerilli as secretary of Dicastery for Human Development
26 August 2021, 12:00

Pope Francis appoints Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, as the interim Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and as a delegate of the Vatican Covid-19 Commission.
By Vatican News

The Pope has appointed Sister Alessandra Smerilli "to replace Msgr. Bruno Marie Duffé and Fr. Augusto Zampini, respectively Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the same Dicastery, both of whom have returned to their dioceses."

The Italian religious sister has served as an Undersecretary at the Dicastery since March 2021.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis has “ordered that management team of the Vatican Covid-19 Commission be composed" of Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery, Sister Alessandra Smerilli, and Father Fabio Baggio, Undersecretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248780/pope-francis-names-catholic-religious-sister-to-number-two-position-in-vaticans-social-development-office
Pope Francis names religious sister to No. 2 position in Vatican’s social development office
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 26, 2021 / 08:00 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248781/pope-francis-meets-nadia-murad-as-nobel-prize-winner-advocates-for-afghan-women

Pope Francis meets Nadia Murad as Nobel Prize winner advocates for Afghan women
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Aug 26, 2021 / 12:00 pm

Pope Francis on Thursday met with Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, a human rights advocate who has been speaking out on behalf of women and girls in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Murad’s meeting with the pope on Aug. 26 comes as the survivor of ISIS enslavement has expressed concern for the future of Afghan women under Taliban rule.

“I know what happens when the world loses sight of women & girls in crises. When it looks away, war is waged on women’s bodies. This must not happen in Afghanistan. The international community must act so that the Taliban doesn’t continue to rob women of their rights & freedoms,” Murad wrote on Twitter on Aug. 16, the day after the Taliban took control of Kabul.

The private papal audience at the Vatican was Murad’s third meeting with the pope. She also met with Pope Francis in Dec. 2018 shortly after receiving the Nobel Prize for her “efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.”
 

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Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-sends-greetings-to-caritas-argentina.html
Pope to Caritas Argentina: Renewal is an experience of going outwards
26 August 2021, 08:49

In a video message, Pope Francis greets the members of Caritas Argentina as they continue the synodal process of ‘La Caminata’ (The Journey), undertaken every three years.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis has sent a video message to the volunteers of all Caritas organisations – parish, diocesan and national – in Argentina, spiritually joining the launch of the community stage of “La Caminata 2021”.

The initiative is being organised as part of an institutional renewal process that takes place every three years and which, as its promoters explain in a statement, “is an experience that puts us on the move” and serves as a means for community discernment.

Pope's greetings

In his video message sent on Wednesday, the Holy Father greets all the participants of La Caminata which he describes as a synodal process. The 2021 journey, he says, is “an experience of going “outwards”, listening to each other, and discerning how to love and serve more tangibly according to time and circumstances. And above all by seeing the signs of the times and places.”

He concludes his brief message with best wishes for participants, saying, “May the Lord accompany you on your journey, and please do not forget to pray for me.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-francis-catholic-legislators-network-safer-technology.html

Pope urges Catholic lawmakers to guide technological advances
27 August 2021, 11:52

Pope Francis greets a delegation from the International Catholic Legislators Network, and urges them to help create a more sustainable future while putting technology at the service of the common good.
By Devin Watkins

“One of the greatest challenges confronting us is the administration of technology for the common good.”

Pope Francis offered that assessment on Friday in his address to members of the International Catholic Legislators Network.

The network, which was set up in 2010, seeks to support the work of the Holy See by bearing witness to the Gospel in service to members’ home countries.

The Pope thanked the legislators for their witness and cooperation in the Church’s mission.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248793/pope-francis-urges-catholic-lawmakers-to-protect-human-dignity-online
Pope Francis urges Catholic lawmakers to protect human dignity online
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Aug 27, 2021 / 05:30 am

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248795/pope-francis-on-adoption-every-child-that-arrives-is-gods-gift

Pope Francis on adoption: ‘Every child that arrives is God’s gift’
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Aug 27, 2021 / 12:00 pm

Pope Francis has released a video with an encouraging message for pregnant mothers that also asks Catholics to be open to life through adoption.

“I want to say to every woman expecting a child: you are God’s awesome instrument to welcome and offer new life to the world,” Pope Francis said in the video issued on Aug. 25.

“Every child that arrives is God’s gift. Every baby, in every case, and in whatever situation is to be welcomed,” the pope said.

Pope Francis said that to adopt and give someone a family is an act of love by which a man and a woman become mediators of God’s love.
 
The video, produced by the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, is the sixth in a video series published this year aimed at deepening the Church’s pastoral accompaniment of families, as outlined in Francis’ 2016 apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia (“The Joy of Love”).

The Amoris Laetitia Family Year began on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, and will end on June 26, 2022, with the 10th edition of the World Meeting of Families, which will be held in Rome.

The Vatican plans to publish a total of 10 videos to help people rediscover the value and beauty of the family.

“Love always gives life,” Pope Francis said.

“Spousal love is not completely consumed by the couple alone, but generates a family. Parents’ love is the means by which God shows His love. He awaits the birth of every baby. He accepts and welcomes each child as they are.”

Video at the link below--
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-08/amoris-laetitia-adoption-a-fruitful-christian-choice.html
Amoris laetitia: Adoption, a fruitful Christian choice
25 August 2021, 15:00

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248791/in-slovakia-tensions-rise-over-covid-vaccines-as-bishops-prepare-pope-francis-visit

Tensions rise over COVID vaccines as bishops organize Pope Francis’ visit to Slovakia
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Aug 27, 2021 / 02:05 am

As a visit from Pope Francis approaches, Slovakia is seeing rising political tensions and growing opposition to the COVID vaccine.

Last month, Slovakia’s bishops announced that only people who had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 could attend events organized for Pope Francis’ Sept. 13-15 visit. Meanwhile, more than half of people in the central European country are unvaccinated, and a growing number say they do not want to receive the COVID vaccine at all.

“We knew there would be some problems with this,” Fr. Martin Kramara, the spokesman for the Slovakian bishops’ conference, told CNA, in reference to the obligation to be vaccinated.

Vladimír Lengvarský, Slovakia’s health minister, said in a July 20 press conference that the decision had been made in cooperation with the Slovakian bishops’ conference.
 

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RE: apostolic letter “Traditionis Custodes” (“Guardians of the Tradition”)...

https://www.ncregister.com/news/traditional-catholic-institutes-to-discuss-traditionis-custodes-amid-talk-of-visitations
Traditional Catholic Institutes to Discuss ‘Traditionis Custodes’ Amid Talk of Visitations

The head of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter said the meeting would be to ‘exchange points of view and to see what we can do together’ ahead of any future possible restrictions imposed by the Vatican.
Edward Pentin  Vatican  August 26, 2021

VATICAN CITY — Superior generals of apostolic institutes that exclusively celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the traditional form of the Roman rite plan to meet next week to discuss Pope Francis’ new decree limiting the older use of the sacred liturgy. The meeting follows the release in July of Traditionis Custodes (Guardians of the Tradition), Francis’ apostolic letter issued motu proprio that limits celebration of the older form of the Latin rite.

Father Andrzej Komorowski, superior general of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), said the superiors were gathering “to exchange points of view and to see what we can do together.” He added that the idea came from the local superiors of traditional institutes in France soon after the publication of Traditionis Custodes.

While there has been speculation over further Vatican restrictions on the institutes, Father Komorowski stressed next week’s planned discussion was not based on the unconfirmed reports, but added that these have made the meeting “more urgent and may have even accelerated it.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/prayer-and-pastoral-care-are-the-focus-for-chapter-of-st-peter-s.html

Prayer and pastoral care are the focus for Chapter of St Peter's Basilica
28 August 2021, 12:32

Pope Francis has approved transitory Norms for the Vatican Chapter in view of the reform of this thousand-year-old institution. The new norms are intended to emphasise the liturgical and pastoral service of the canons in the Basilica
By Vatican News

On Saturday, the liturgical memorial of St Augustine, Pope Francis approved transitory Norms for the Chapter of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The new norms will come into force on October 1. The goal is to support the start of the reform of this ancient institution, whose Statutes are currently being revised. In particular, the aim is to revitalise the “service of liturgical activity and pastoral care” carried out by the canons in the Vatican Basilica mainly on Sundays and holy days.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248806/pope-francis-makes-changes-to-the-vaticans-chapter-of-st-peter
Pope Francis makes changes to the Vatican’s Chapter of St. Peter
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 28, 2021 / 08:20 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-08/pope-to-lazarus-association-go-to-the-peripheries-spreading-a-f.html

Pope to Lazarus Association: Go to the peripheries spreading a fire of love
28 August 2021, 13:29

Pope Francis meets with members of the French "Lazare" Association, telling them they embody the social friendship that we are all called to live.
By Vatican News staff reporter

The Lazare (Lazarus) Association was established to give homeless people a second chance. As an alternative to large shelters, the Association offers regular-sized apartments where people live together with their own private bedrooms.

It welcomes homeless people who either come directly from ‘the street’, or from foster homes. They are also given administrative and job search support.

The Association is active in Spain, France, and Belgium.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248805/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-australian-bishop-christopher-saunders-investigated-for-sexual-abuse

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Australian bishop investigated for sexual abuse
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 28, 2021 / 05:45 am

Pope Francis on Saturday accepted the resignation of Australian Bishop Christopher Alan Saunders, who had been on administrative leave from the Diocese of Broome while under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct.

Australia’s ABC News reported in June that the 71-year-old Saunders had been under investigation by both police and the Vatican.

Police said in late May they would not be pressing charges against Saunders, who has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-08/grech-monastic-contemplative-listening-conversion-communion.html

Cardinal Grech to monastic communities: Be custodians of ‘deep breath of prayer'
28 August 2021, 10:00

The General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops writes to monastic and contemplative communities, and urges them to be the custodians of the “deep breath of prayer” for the Church as she sets out on her synodal journey.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Cardinal Mario Grech, the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, has addressed a letter to the men and women called to the monastic and contemplative life, as the Church begins its journey in a synodal process that opens in local Churches in October 2021 and concludes with the celebration of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023.

In his letter, the Cardinal recalls that Pope Francis has often reminded the entire Church of the need to walk together on a synodal journey, which involves “every level of the Church’s life” because “it is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.”

“On the threshold of this decisive step for the Church of our time,” the Cardinal said, “I turn to you, dear brothers and sister, with your precious vocation that enriches the entire ecclesial community, because you are custodians and witnesses of a fundamental reality for the synodal process that our Holy Father invites us to realize.”

Cardinal Grech held up three words that are central to monastic and contemplative life, which the monks and nuns safeguard in the life of the Church: listening, conversion and communion.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248804/cardinal-asks-contemplative-catholic-religious-to-pray-for-the-2023-vatican-synod-on-synodality
Cardinal asks monastic communities to pray for the 2023 synod on synodality
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Aug 28, 2021 / 04:22 am

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https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/08/beatification-of-the-smiling-pope-likely-to-be-approved-this-fall/

Beatification of ‘the Smiling Pope’ likely to be approved this fall
By Elise Ann Allen
Aug 28, 2021

ROME – Nearly 18 years after the opening of the canonization cause of Albino Luciani, better known as Pope John Paul I, his beatification could finally be green-lighted this fall with the approval of a miracle that has been presented of a scientifically inexplicable healing of an Argentine girl.

In an article published in Italian newspaper Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian bishops, by Stefania Falasca – a journalist, Luciani biographer, and the vice-postulator of his cause – said process has reached the final stage and has just one more hurdle to face with the final approval of the miracle.

Born as Albino Luciani Oct. 17, 1912, in Italy’s northern Veneto region, Luciani was elected pope at the age of 65, taking the name Pope John Paul to honor both of his immediate predecessors, St. John XXIII and St. Paul VI.

It shocked the world when he was found dead the morning of Sept. 30, 1978, just 33 days after his election. The Vatican announced that he died of a heart attack, but his sudden and unexpected death sparked decades of speculation and conspiracy theories about what really happened during his final hours.