Born
17 October 1912
Birthplace
Canale d'Agordo (then Forno di Canale), near Belluno, Italy
Pope from
26 August 1978
Pope until
28 September 1978
Died
28 September 1978
Who he was
Born in the mountain village of Canale d'Agordo near Belluno, he was ordained in 1935 and spent many years teaching in the seminary and serving his diocese, and wrote a short book on teaching the catechism. St John XXIII made him Bishop of Vittorio Veneto in 1958, and St Paul VI named him Patriarch of Venice in 1969 and a cardinal in 1973. He was elected on the second day of the conclave of August 1978.
What he is remembered for
Remembered as the 'smiling Pope', he won hearts with his warmth and humility but died suddenly after only thirty-three days, one of the shortest reigns in history. Pope Francis beatified him on 4 September 2022.
He is honoured by the Church as Blessed. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
All popes · Home · All saints