Pope Francis is creating a foundation named in honor of Pope John Paul I:
The Rescript, dated 17 February, says the scope of the Foundation is “to value and disseminate…the thought, works and example of Pope John Paul I.” Pope John Paul I’s pontificate began on 26 August and ended on 28 September 1978.
The Foundation has been entrusted with the task of preserving the cultural and religious patrimony left behind by Pope John Paul I. It will also promote the figure of this Pope through various initiatives including conventions, meetings, seminars and study sessions. In the future, the Foundation will also offer Scholarships and other types of awards. In addition, it will edit and publish its own research as well as that of third parties and will be a point of reference throughout the world for anyone who wants to undertake studies regarding John Paul I.
Pope Francis has appointed the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin as the Foundation’s first President. In an article published by Vatican Media Cardinal Parolin underlines how “Pope John Paul I was and remains a point of reference within the history of the universal Church. His importance, as Saint John Paul II observed, is the exact opposite of the length of his brief pontificate”.
Cardinal Parolin writes that “Albino Luciani’s story is that of a pastor who is near to his people, focused on the essentials of the faith, including an extraordinary social sensitivity. His magisterium is contemporary.”, writes the Cardinal Secretary of State, “Proximity, humility, simplicity, insisting on God’s mercy, love for thy neighbor and solidarity are some of his more notable themes.”
