SOS, negligence and “the Vatican’s bureaucratic slowness” pose a threat to Luciani.
John Paul I, the Pope who was “unfairly forgotten”, looks to become a saint soon.
“Benedict XVI has the power to prevent Albino Luciani from being neglected, if he canonizes
this extraordinary Pope.”
This is according to an appeal made by the prestigious Jesuit New York-based magazine, “America”.
The appeal comes ahead of the centenary anniversary of his birth (17 October 2012).
According to U.S. Jesuits, “the canonisation cause must be put forward at a more consistent pace” because “Luciani could be a valuable moral guide in today’s shattered world.”
His fleeting 33 days in the papal throne, “were eclipsed by the pontificate of John Paul II, whose impressive 27 years of experience in the role, will be part of historic and wide-reaching repercussions.”
But “the longevity of a papacy is not in itself a criterion for holiness,” and it would be a mistake to conclude that Lucianidid not leave behind him a legacy that should be passed down to future generations.
“In the space of just one month, John Paul I, had captured the hearts of people across the world, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who became witnesses of his unexpected welcome, but above all, by his humility – “America” magazine highlighted. Many of us intuitively recognised a real beacon of hope, in his benevolent, lightening-like smile, the gentleness of his gestures and the compassion that was at the centre of his public addresses.”
“It would be an immeasurable loss for people of today’s generation, as well as future generations, if his memory were to risk vanishing into the abyss.”
Beatification is thus also an instrument that aids the memory. “A meteorite is spectacular during its moment of glory, but it leaves no trace of its illuminating presence, as we lose sight of it,” – “America” magazine highlighted, establishing a link with Karol Wojtyla, who was raised to the honour of the altars, in record time.
“Benedict XVI proclaimed John Paul II blessed a milestone in the Pope’s path towards sainthood – the U.S. Jesuit magazine underlined. The cause for Karol Wojtyla’s canonisation went ahead at a remarkable speed. According to the rules of the Catholic Church, the process cannot begin until five years have passed, since the candidate’s death. In this case, however, Benedict XVI decided to do away with this rule.”
This was not the case with Albino Luciani. His cause, which began almost eight years ago, is still moving along slowly, held back by the labyrinth of Vatican bureaucracy, to the extent that its definitive conclusion still seems uncertain.” “For those whose faith was rekindled by that peaceful Pope, the current uncertainty surrounding his canonisation is truly discouraging.”
Indeed, Albino Luciani’s life “was so exemplary, that it could breathe new life into a tired and cynical world, as well as a wish for “greater gifts” and “a more excellent world.” A fleeting but not ephemeral papacy. “It passed by like a meteorite that suddenly illuminates the sky and disappeared, leaving people stunned and astonished,” Card. Carlo Confalonieri observed, during a funeral mass for Pope Luciani in 1978.
In September 2008, Benedict XVI expressed his total admiration for Albino Luciani. “John Paul I chose as his Episcopal motto, the same one chosen by Carlo Borromeo: Humilitas – Joseph Ratzinger affirmed.
One single word that captured the essence of Christian life and indicated the vital virtue of those, in the Church, who are called to a position of authority.”
Benedict XVI added that “indeed, in one of the four General Audiences held during his very brief Pontificate, using that distinctive familiar tone of his, he said: “I limit myself to advocating one virtue that was so dear to the Lord: he said: learn from me, for I have a meek and humble heart. Even if you have achieved great things, say to yourselves: we are useless servants.”
“However, the tendency among us, is to do quite the opposite, putting ourselves on show,” Benedict XVI went on to comment. Thus, “humility can be seen as his spiritual testament,” Joseph Ratzinger said.
The same Ratzingerian tone has been adopted by “America” magazine, as it launches its appeal for Albino Luciani to be raised to the altars.
“John Paul I chose the expression “Humilitas” as his Episcopal motto, an appropriate choice for a prince of the church, who affirmed with conviction that: “we must feel small before God.”
He considered himself “poor dust” – the American Jesuits stressed.
And he lived this conviction faithfully, often describing himself publicly as “a pauper used to little things and to silence.”