Illustrissimi: Letters from Pope John Paul I

by Pope John Paul I, William Weaver (Translator), John Cardinal Wright (Contributor)

Letters to saints, authors, and illustrious historical figures, written for a monthly periodical when the future Pope was Cardinal Archbishop of Venice.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality

258 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Pope John Paul I (Latin: Ioannes Paulus I; Italian: Giovanni Paolo I), born Albino Luciani, served as Pope from 26 August 1978 to his sudden death 33 days later. His reign is among the shortest in papal history, resulting in the most recent Year of Three Popes, the first to occur since 1605. John Paul I remains the most recent Italian-born pope, ending a succession of such popes that started with Clement VII in 1523. He was declared a Servant of God by his successor, Pope John Paul II, on 23 November 2003, the first step on the road to sainthood.

Before the papal conclave that elected him, he expressed his desire not to be elected, telling those close to him that he would decline the papacy if elected, but upon the cardinals electing him, he felt an obligation to say "yes". He was the first pontiff to have a double name, choosing "John Paul" in honour of his two immediate predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI. He explained that he was indebted to John XXIII for naming him a bishop and to Paul VI for creating him a cardinal. Furthermore, he was the first pope to add the regnal number "I", designating himself "the First".

His two immediate successors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, later recalled the warm qualities of the late pontiff in several addresses. In Italy, he is remembered with the appellatives of "Il Papa del Sorriso" (The Smiling Pope) and "Il Sorriso di Dio" (The smile of God). Time magazine and other publications referred to him as The September Pope. He is also known in Italy as "Papa Luciani". In his town of birth, Canale d'Agordo, there is a museum that has been made and named in his honour that is dedicated to his life and his brief papacy.

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a book which was a modern take on this one — a series of letters written by Pope John Paul I (before he was pope) to famous people. Those people include a wide range of people, some of whom are fictional. I thought I'd read this original book before going onto the more modern one. For one thing I know next to nothing about JPI except that he was only pope for 33 days. This seemed as if it would give some insight into his way of thinking.

I enjoyed it. As it turns out these are nice reflections on modern Christian life (at the time) with an eye to history and fiction's influences. St. Francis de Sales is a big inspiration to him and that saint's gentle ways seem to be similar to the way that John Paul I expresses himself.

[Michael Seagriff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and learning about the unique Pope so few of us know anything about. Interesting read.

[Leni kalanka · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book - Pope John Paul I writes to various literary and historical figures throughout history, mentioning his agreements, and listing his disagreements with their works, with a view of today's (at the time of his writings) world.
I feel it was a good book, but lacking the familiarity of the letters' addressees, I feel like I didn't get the full, intended, effect that was intended. But, that fact also builds a wonderful cause for the reader to find, and take up, works by the addressed personalities.
He writes plainly and is easily understood, and his contrast between the works and the modern world leaves little misunderstanding where he stands, and educates the reader to the authors' views.
Altogether, the book is good - and its format - of numerous letters to famous writers, politicians, theologians, and at once, to Christ himself - makes it a great book to pick up, and put down, reading and digesting slowly one letter at a time.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible read. The letters still speak to us 40 years later with penetrating insight. A masterful piece of work. Full review to follow soon.
...

[Gaspar Juárez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Albino Luciani el patriarca de Venecia, quien sería más conocido después como Juan Pablo I cuando se le nombraría como el Supremo Pontífice de la Iglesia Católica, se le puede definir con las mismas palabras que él utilizó en unas de sus cartas dedicada a Goethe con intención de elogiarlo: ““Fue usted un gran esteta, capaz de percibir en seguida, intensamente y con toda amplitud la «belleza natural» esparcida por el mundo, desde los fenómenos de la naturaleza a las intensas pasiones del alma humana. Fue usted gran artista, capaz de expresar vigorosamente para los demás tanto la belleza percibida como los estados de ánimo con que la percibió. Fue insigne crítico de arte, porque se acercó con inteligencia y pasión a las creaciones artísticas de los demás.”

Así pues, siguiendo aquel modelo de Petrarca y sus Cartas a los más ilustres varones de la Antigüedad, Albino Luciani hace una gran selección de autores, y demás personajes de su interés para dirigírseles con cartas cargadas de una gran valor literario. A primera parecen ser textos con una alta carga moral, y los son, son textos con altas cargas morales acordes a la fe que predicaba. Pero no se agotan en eso, son más que eso y de ahí radica el mayor interés, pues con una prosa sencilla, inteligente y elegante, se dirige a sus «ilustrísimos señores» en cartas en donde se dan cita la crítica literaria y hasta la teología.

El patriarca de Venecia resulta ser un señor agradabilísimo. No le falta la buena fe, y ciertamente la erudición tampoco.

[Damian North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pope John Paul I’s Illustrissimi is a charming and unexpectedly delightful collection of letters that showcases the warmth, wisdom, and humor of a man deeply attuned to both faith and humanity. Written in an epistolary style addressed to historical, literary, and even fictional figures, the book reflects a remarkable combination of intelligence, accessibility, and playfulness. Each letter is a small gem, offering moral insight, gentle guidance, or thoughtful reflection in a manner that feels both personal and universal.

What makes Illustrissimi so appealing is the Pope’s ability to communicate profound truths without heaviness. His writing is infused with lightness and humor, making complex ideas about faith, ethics, and human nature approachable and engaging. There is a clear sense of empathy and curiosity in every correspondence, as he bridges the gap between the sacred and the everyday, reminding readers of the enduring relevance of compassion, reflection, and integrity.

Beyond its literary charm, the book reveals a deeply human side of John Paul I—a man who could be both contemplative and witty, serious and playful. Illustrissimi is an inspiring, uplifting read that leaves readers with both a smile and thoughtful reflection, proving that wisdom need not be solemn to be profound.

Damian North Author

[Marcello · Rating 3 out of 5]

In queste lettere, scritte prima di diventare Papa, Luciani si rivolgeva a grandi personaggi del passato (es. Gesù) o a protagonisti di storie (es. Pinocchio), condividendo riflessioni sulla società contemporanea. Tra citazioni culturali e precetti di fede, il libro mostra la cultura, l'umanità e la sensibilità del suo autore, sebbene varie sue prese di posizione (in particolare quelle sulla morale sessuale) risultino oggi, oltre che condizionate dal fatto che Luciani fosse un uomo di Chiesa, semplicemente superate (cosa comprensibile, essendo passati ormai più di 40 anni da quando le lettere furono scritte). Libro a mio avviso lodato più di quanto meriti, ma comunque interessante per non ridurre Luciani all'immagine del "Papa dei 34 giorni".

[Barbara Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a year to complete this sweet compilation of letters written to historical figures, most of whom I had never heard of. I remember how odd it was to awaken to the news of JPI's death one month after his elevation to Pope; at first, I thought it was a recording of the report of death of Paul VI. JPI, we hardly knew ye.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the wait (I'd had this book for about 30 years!!). Once you get past the Catholic dogma (not excessive) there are so many nuggets of wisdom. I also enjoyed learning about some of the unfamiliar characters he wrote letters to.

[Thomas Zwilling]

On the lighter side, no one would mistake him for either a Ratziner or a McCabe, but writing letters to historical figures is a unique idea, and over the course of the book you get a sense of his personality and why he was so beloved despite his all-too-brief pontificate.

[Isaac Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este autor, este libro es una pena que cuente con tan pocos lectores..

Una carta al dia cambiara tu vida

[laetitia · Rating 2 out of 5]

purtroppo in molte riflessioni si percepisce terribilmente la distanza temporale di certi discorsi e idee, specialmente in merito a questioni di femminismo, che ad oggi non sono più tollerabili

[JP Garces-Voisenat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming!

[Fr. Daniel Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this collection of letters. By invoking household names from ages gone by, Pope John Paul I navigates relevant topics of modern society and brings them toward an understanding of Catholic teaching. He writes letters to famous Catholics such as St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila, and even Jesus as well as many secular artists and writers, such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and even the fictional character Pinocchio. He is never critical of the recipient of the letter, but agrees with some facet associated with their legacy and uses it to praise a particular virtue or criticize a particular modern viewpoint or failing of our culture.

Overall, the letters read like entertaining homilies. Pope John Paul I uses clever anecdotes and stories to explain moral teaching - he does not often appeal to theology, but to common sense. These letters speak to a person's head through sense and to a person's heart through fervor and candid words. His personality comes to life in the way that his words leap off of the page and into the world.

I recommend this uncommon read to anyone who wants to have a glimpse into this man as a priest and as a pope.

[M Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Albino Luciani was Patriarch of Venice, he wrote a series of "open letters" to famous figures and authors from history, published in the monthly magazine, "The Messenger of St. Anthony." These were later gathered into this book, originally published in 1976, while he was still in Venice. In 1978, of course, in one of the shortest conclaves in Church history, Cardinal Luciani was elected Pope and took the name John Paul, in honor of his two most recent predecessors. Just 33 days later, tragically, he died in his sleep, leaving millions to wonder what sort of Pope he might have been.

Something of the answer can be discerned in these writings -- imaginative, often charming, frequently witty, occasionally scolding and moralistic, but always, it seemed to me as I read, focused on the love of God for humankind. Upon reading this book, one must wonder (as so many did in 1978), if the progressive cause might not have been furthered in the post-Vatican II era more so by this pope than by his successor who, excellent in many ways, was certainly more of a conservative and traditionalist than Luciani.

Worth a read, particularly when doled out an article at a time.

[Luis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Albino Luciani has been a fascinating character to me since I read In God's Name: An Investigation Into the Murder of Pope John Paul I when I was 12, so I always felt like reading his thoughts, and when I found out about this book I went to the dustiest Catholic bookstore in Mexico City to get it. I wanted to compare him to Pope Francis, but even when taking account of the 40 years separating this book from today, the parochial ultramontanism disguised in a smile. So, would things be different if Luciani had made it to 80? I don't think so. He and Wojtyla were very similar in their core ideas and nothing would have changed in the basics of the Church's thinking. In that way, it was an enlightening book, and a well written one. But I can't say I enjoyed it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, these letters very much. Pope John Paul I wrote them for an Italian periodical during the 1970's while he was a cardinal. His letters reached out to saints, authors, an 18th century empress, fictional characters and many others. He ends the book with a letter to Jesus.

Each letter is written making comparisons and contrasts to the time on earth of the "recipient" versus that of John Paul I's modern Europe. Even forty years later, the issues about which he was concerned in his homeland are valid now. I thought when I started reading it that it would seem more dated and out of touch but I was wrong. The letters are charming and written with such insight and care… I can only imagine he would have been a truly remarkable leader had he been given more than 33 days as pope.

[Marlies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cardinal Luciani (Pope John Paul I) seems to have been a very wise person. He gives a clear analysis of developments he sees in society and his opinion about them. We could all benefit from his insights and lessons, especially in a world that only seems to distance itself more and more from goodness and the laws and rules that ensure this goodness. We prefer freedom over a godly life. Cardinal Luciani, in his letters to famous people, real or fictional, shows us a different way.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Articles written by the bishop and cardinal, who ultimately became Pope John Paul I in 1978 (and who suddenly died after only 33 days). Each entry is written to a literary figure, real or fictional, on a particular theme. Best line: "we are all in the same boat, filled with people now brought closer together both in space and in behavior; but the boat is on a very rough sea."

[Francis S. Poesy]

Heard about this book from my parish priest and decided to hunt down a copy. Found a library binding copy on Amazon Marketplace and will be reading the letters periodically as I have short bits of time available.

[Arturo Fornes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ilustrativa y valiosa colección de cartas en las que expone sus ideas e interpretación de la doctrina católica en lenguaje claro y fácil de entender sobre diversos temas de actualidad en su momento y de valor aplicable aún en nuestros dias.

[Erik]

Recommended by James Schall in Another Sort of Learning, Chapter 15, as one of Twelve Collections of Lectures and Reflections.

[Brian Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating collections of writings from the 33 day Pope. His insights into social challenges and the letters/correspondence with/from great thinkers and authors is unique.

[AngelaR · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a gift from my friend the priest. Not exactly knowing what to expect, this book really is still very actual, although most letrers were written in the 1970s. Absolutely worth reading!