Pope Francis institutes the Vatican John Paul I Foundation with a Rescript and appoints Cardinal Pietro Parolin as its first president.
Vatican News
Pope Francis’ creation of the Vatican John Paul I Foundation was made public through a statement released on Tuesday. The Rescript, dated 17 February, says the scope of the Foundation is “to value and disseminate…the thought, works and example of Pope John Paul I”. Pope John Paul I’s pontificate began on 26 August and ended on 28 September 1978.
Foundation’s tasks
The Foundation has been entrusted with the task of preserving the cultural and religious patrimony left behind by Pope John Paul I. It will also promote the figure of this Pope through various initiatives including conventions, meetings, seminars and study sessions. In the future, the Foundation will also offer Scholarships and other types of awards. In addition, it will edit and publish its own research as well as that of third parties and will be a point of reference throughout the world for anyone who wants to undertake studies regarding John Paul I.
First President
Pope Francis has appointed the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin as the Foundation’s first President. In an article published by Vatican Media Cardinal Parolin underlines how “Pope John Paul I was, and remains, a point of reference in the history of the universal Church. His importance, as Saint John Paul II had pointed out, is inversely proportional to the length of his very short pontificate”.
Cardinal Parolin writes that “the story of Albino Luciani is one of a pastor who is close to his people, centered on the essentials of faith and with an extraordinary social sensitivity. His magisterium is contemporary: proximity, humility, simplicity, insistence on God’s mercy, love of one’s neighbour and solidarity are the salient features”.
Members of the board
Pope Francis also appointed board members: Dr. Stefania Falasca, who also assumes the role of Vice-President; Cardinal Beniamino Stella; Archbishop Andrea Celli; Fr Davide Fiocco; Dr Lina Petri; Dr Alfonso Cauteruccio.
