Podcasts History Witness History: Witness Archive 2017 The Sudden Death of Pope John Paul I

The Sudden Death of Pope John Paul I

Published: Sept. 28, 2017, 11:10 p.m.

b'

Just 33 days into his reign, Pope John Paul I unexpectedly died in September 1978. He was discovered in the early morning lying on his bed, a collection of sermons in his hand. He was considered an excellent communicator, and his warm personality earned him the nick name of "the smiling Pope". But his death shook the church. Rebecca Kesby spoke to Cardinal Beniamino Stella who knew him well.

(PHOTO: Pope John Paul I. Credit: Getty Images.)

'