The early hours of September 29, 1978, were marked by an eerie silence in Vatican City. The world woke up to the shocking news that Pope John Paul I, who had served as pontiff for only 33 days, had passed away. The announcement came from Vatican Radio, but almost immediately, rumors began to swirl. Conflicting accounts from the Vatican only added fuel to the fire, raising questions that remain unanswered to this day.

Albino Luciani was born in 1912 in Venice, Italy. He was ordained a priest in 1935, became a bishop in 1958, and later ascended to the position of Patriarch of Venice in 1969. On August 26, 1978, he was elected pope during the conclave, choosing the name John Paul I in honor of his two immediate predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI. His election was seen as a unifying choice, but the brevity of his papacy would leave many wondering what could have been.

 

The Last Day of Pope John Paul I

 

The final day of Pope John Paul Iā€™s life followed his usual routine. Rising at 5:30 AM, he spent time in prayer and meditation in his private chapel before celebrating Mass at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, he was engaged in audiences, meeting with visitors from around the world. His schedule included an audience with members of the Roman Catholic Movement, Cardinal Gantin, and a group of young Brazilian pilgrims. Photographers recalled his lively demeanor as he helped arrange chairs for a group photo, showcasing his humility and warmth.

After lunch with his secretaries, Father Magee and Don Diego Lorenzi, the pope took a brief rest before returning to work. Feeling unwell that afternoon, he opted to skip his usual walk through the Vatican Gardens, instead pacing inside the Saloneā€”a large room in the Apostolic Palace. Despite his discomfort, he continued his duties, meeting with Cardinal Villot for a lengthy audience that evening. Around 9:00 PM, he made a phone call to Cardinal Colombo in Milan, discussing the events of the day. After bidding his secretaries goodnight, he retired to his room.

 

33-day 'Smiling Pope' John Paul I beatified at the Vatican

 

What happened next remains a matter of intense speculation. At around 10:00 PM, Pope John Paul I reportedly felt unwell and called his personal doctor in Venice, who prescribed heart medication known as Digitalis. The Vatican pharmacy was opened to provide the medication, which was delivered to the popeā€™s quarters. By morning, however, he was found dead.

The official account states that Sister Vincenza, a nun who brought the pope his morning coffee, discovered his lifeless body at around 5:30 AM. She initially left the coffee outside his door, but upon checking in later, she found him sitting in bed with his knees drawn up and a piece of paper in his hand. The Vatican later claimed that Father Magee was the one who discovered the body, but this contradiction only deepened suspicions.

The lack of transparency surrounding the popeā€™s death has led to numerous theories. British journalist David Yallop famously alleged in his book In Godā€™s Name that John Paul I was assassinated, citing his plans to reform the Vatican Bank and confront corruption within the Church. Yallop suggested that the popeā€™s medication may have been tampered with, possibly by members of the notorious P2 Masonic Lodgeā€”a secretive organization implicated in various scandals.

 

John Paul I's 33-Day Papacy | Franciscan Media

 

Others dismissed these claims as sensationalist conspiracy theories. Pope John Paul Iā€™s brother publicly refuted the idea of foul play, attributing his death to natural causes. He pointed to a family history of sudden deaths, suggesting that a genetic predisposition could explain the tragedy. Some medical experts speculated that the pope may have accidentally mismanaged his medication, leading to fatal consequences.

Despite the conflicting accounts, one thing is clear: the Vaticanā€™s handling of the situation created an atmosphere of doubt. From discrepancies about who discovered the body to the absence of detailed documentation in the Vaticanā€™s secret archives, the Churchā€™s silence has only fueled speculation. Was the pope poisoned? If so, by whom? Or was it simply a tragic case of natural causes?

David Yallopā€™s theory about the involvement of P2 Lodge remains one of the most controversial. He argued that the lodge, which allegedly had ties to high-ranking officials and organized crime, viewed John Paul Iā€™s reformist agenda as a threat. However, critics have dismissed these claims as baseless, pointing out the lack of concrete evidence.

 

On this day in history, August 26, 1978, Pope John Paul I is elected, would serve for only 33 days | Fox News

 

Others argue that the popeā€™s death was entirely natural. His familyā€™s history of sudden deaths lends credibility to this theory, as does the fact that he had been prescribed medication for low blood pressure. Still, the timing and circumstances of his passing leave room for doubt.

The mystery of Pope John Paul Iā€™s death continues to captivate historians, theologians, and conspiracy theorists alike. Was his reign cut short by forces opposed to his vision for the Church? Or did he simply succumb to a natural, albeit tragic, fate? The truth may never be known, but his legacy endures as a reminder of the fragility of power and the enduring questions that surround the Vatican.