December 18, 1972: A Postcard with Christmas Greetings from Albino Luciani, the Future Pope John Paul I

The Papal Artifacts’ Collection is enhanced by the relationship Father Kunst was able to develop with his family.  These very rare items are only a part of that bond.

In 2001 Father Kunst and his father went to northern Italy, to an area called Belluno, where Pope John Paul I lived. They visited his family, in particular his niece, Pia Luciani, and his brother Eduardo, and his sister-in-law. They spent the day with them visiting the home where the Pope was born. They were very hospitable and generous people who were happy to show Father Kunst the areas of Pope John Paul’s childhood.

Father Kunst formed a great bond with them but then lost contact. In 2010 he reconnected with Pia Luciani. She fondly remembered their visit.

She gave him postcards, signed A. Luciani. The Buon Natale greeting from 1972 is featured first followed by the 1959 greeting while he was a bishop in Vittorio Veneto. Pope John XXIII himself consecrated him.

These are extremely rare items because John Paul I was not considered to be a strong papal candidate and was only pope for thirty-three days. People did not save items belonging to him. So finding items belonging to him is actually quite rare making these items very special.

Items belonging to or associated with Pope John Paul I are featured on Papal Artifacts/John Paul I and include other items given to Father Kunst by his family.  His biography, coat of arms, burial site and a YouTube about him are featured on Papal History.

We are honored to remember Pope John Paul I today.

Pope John Paul I

Although his pontificate lasted a mere 33 days, his life and dedication to our Church lasted his life time.  This zucchetto is one of the most treasured items in the Collection. It was worn within months of his election and is one of the most recent acquisitions to the Collection.

With this acquisition the Collection now has a zucchetto from every Pope since Blessed Pope Pius IX.

Albino Luciani was created cardinal on March 5, 1973, by Blessed Pope  Paul VI.

NOTE: This zuccetto completes the Collections’ zucchettos from Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) to Pope Francis.