John Paul I, 1912–78, pope (1978), an Italian (b. Canale d'Agordo) named Albino Luciani; successor of Paul VI. Born into a poor, working-class family, he trained at local seminaries and at the Gregorian Univ. in Rome. He was patriarch of Venice (1969–78) and was made a cardinal in 1973. He was present at the Second Vatican Council (see Vatican Council, Second) and vowed during his papacy to put its mandates into effect. John Paul I eliminated the traditional, elaborate papal coronation, opting for a simpler ceremony. He died one month after becoming pope and was succeeded by John Paul II.
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