John Paul I (1978) - Catholic Stock Photo

Pope John Paul I (born Albino Luciani) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City from 26 August 1978 to his death 33 days later^[1]. He was known as "the Smiling Pope" for his good-natured attitude and humor^[2]. On the morning of September 29, 1978, he was found dead in his bed^[2], with the official cause of death being a heart attack^[3].