John Paul I 1912-1978

AS THE Roman Catholic Church mourns the sudden death of Pope John Paul I, it should look carefully at the lessons and promises of his brief reign. Although he had little time in which to make any great pronouncements or to work any great changes, the Pope's energy, humility and wit had helped invigorate a Church grown tired of internal bickering, and he charmed countless others outside the Catholic faith. That he should have died so soon after beginning his reign is a genuine tragedy. Nevertheless, the Church and its followers should take comfort in the fact that in only a month Pope John Paul had demonstrated that simplicity, openness and humility are still virtues that the world finds inspring.

As we join in the sorrow at the passing of the Pope, we also hope that the Church he headed will continue in the style he adopted. The selection of a new Pope who shuns the pomp and formality of ancient tradition, and instead addresses the pressing social and religious issues of the day, would be the best way to fulfill the bright promise of John Paul's reign.