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The Sudden Death of Pope John Paul I

Just 33 days into his reign, Pope John Paul I died unexpectedly in September 1978. He was discovered lying on his bed, a collection of sermons in his hand.

Just 33 days into his reign, Pope John Paul I unexpectedly died in September 1978. He was discovered in the early morning lying on his bed, a collection of sermons in his hand. He was considered an excellent communicator, and his warm personality earned him the nick name of "the smiling Pope". But his death shook the church. Rebecca Kesby spoke to Cardinal Beniamino Stella who knew him well.

(PHOTO: Pope John Paul I. Credit: Getty Images.)

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9 minutes

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Fri 29 Sep 2017 07:50GMT

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  • Fri 29 Sep 2017 07:50GMT

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