On Thursday, September 29, 1978, John Paul I, Pope of the Catholic Church and world religious leader, passed away at the age of 65. Born Albino Luciani in the northern Italian town of Canale d'Agordo on October 17, 1912, he was ordained a priest in 1935 and served as a bishop in the Italian episcopate from 1958-1969. In 1969, he was named Patriarch of Venice, a role he held until appointed Cardinal in 1973. On August 26, 1978, he was elected Pope and assumed the name of John Paul I, taking office until his sudden death. Under his brief and humble papacy he instilled a spirit of relating to the lower classes, modernization, and reform. His tenure was characterized by a desire to bring the Church closer to its members and he was considered to be attentive and available to those entering the Vatican. Pope John Paul I was known for his kindness, joy, and sense of humor. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of millions of Catholics around the world.