The Legacy of Blessed Pope John Paul I: Prayer for Canonization and Intercession
On the occasion of the liturgical memorial of the Blessed John Paul I on August 26th, the day he was elected Pope in 1978, the postulator for his canonization cause is sharing a special prayer for his canonization and for his intercession.
By Stefania Falasca, Postulator of the cause of canonization of Blessed Pope John Paul I and Vice-President of the John Paul I Vatican Foundation
Today, we commemorate Blessed John Paul I, also known as Albino Luciani (1912-1978), who was beatified by Pope Francis on September 4, 2022, in St. Peter’s Square. The Church celebrates his memory on the day he was elected as Pope.
Ascending to the Chair of Peter after a swift 26-hour-long conclave, Albino Luciani’s election on August 26, 1978, was marked by a profound serenity and humility, as testified by Argentine Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio.
To honor his memory, the postulator shares a newly-composed prayer for the canonization and intercession of Blessed John Paul I.
The Prayer for the Canonization and Intercession of Blessed John Paul I
Blessed John Paul I,
you who with your word and example
taught us to live the grace of Baptism
and the gift of faith, hope, and charity;
you who were a model of evangelical simplicity
and showed us the wisdom of humility;
you who as Pope became close to all
and, as a messenger of the Good News,
manifested your love for the poor
and witnessed to the “unfailing” mercy of God
who “is father, even more, is mother”;
you who pursued unity, dialogue, and peace
following Christ, the Prince of Peace;
pray for the Church you so loved and served,
pray for us, your children,
and obtain for us from the Lord to follow you
on the path of virtues and Beatitudes.
Grant now, O Lord,
through the intercession of Blessed John Paul I,
the grace that we implore from you in faith…
And, if it is Your will, allow him to be canonized
for the glory of Your name and the good of Your Church.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Relevance of the Message
John Paul I’s pontificate began with a focus on the pastoral dimension of the papal office. His commitment to implementing the Second Vatican Council and promoting unity, dialogue, and peace was evident from the start.
In his programmatic “We Wills,” he outlined his intentions to continue the Council’s work, preserve Church discipline, emphasize evangelization, pursue ecumenical dialogue, and promote peace in a troubled world.
His dedication to reconciliation, brotherhood, and peace among peoples, as well as his ecumenical and interreligious efforts, defined his brief pontificate. He emphasized the importance of unity with the Eastern Churches and fostered dialogue between Christian communities.
John Paul I’s message of justice, brotherhood, and hope remains relevant today, highlighting the Church’s role in promoting peace and solidarity on a global scale.
His legacy, both theological and spiritual, continues to inspire, underscoring the importance of studying and preserving his teachings. The establishment of the Vatican Foundation dedicated to John Paul I ensures that his profound message endures for future generations.
The above is a working English translation from Italian.
