1. John Paul I was born on 17th January, 1912, and was baptized on the same day. Why was he baptized so quickly? Baptism on the day of birth was a tradition in the town where he was born. His family needed to leave the area because of persecution. His father believed that immediate baptism would ensure him receiving a senior position in the Roman Catholic church. The midwife who delivered him thought he would not survive.

2. At the time of his birth, what was the profession of John Paul I's father? shepherd stone mason priest glassblower

3. Before becoming pope, John Paul I held a number of important offices in the Roman Catholic church. Which of these titles did he *not* hold before his papal election? Chancellor of the Diocese of Belluno Secretary of the Diocescan Synod Bishop of Rome Vicar General of the Diocese of Belluno

4. John Paul I was the first ever pope to assume a double name on election as supreme pontiff. True False

5. Soon after election as pope, John Paul I instigated a number of controversial measures. Which of these did he *not* instigate? He instigated an inquiry into the dealings of the Vatican Bank. He arranged to meet U.S. officials to discuss world over-population and birth control. He discontinued the office of advocatus diaboli (devil's advocate). He was opposed to cardinals being involved in freemasonry, and commenced proceedings to forbid this.

6. Even though he reigned for only a short time, John Paul I was given a nickname by the media. What was this nickname by which he became so well known? the poor pope the smiling pope the shepherd the little man

7. As pope, John Paul I did not leave Italy, but before becoming pope he visited several countries. Which of these countries did he never visit? Yugoslavia Brazil Germany U.S.A.

8. John Paul I's term of office as pope was the shortest reign of any pope. True False

9. Only one country sent its head of state to John Paul I's funeral. Which country was this? Italy U.S.A. Colombia Austria

10. John Paul I's death soon after becoming pope gave rise to some controversy. What was controversial about his death? Some believed that he had been murdered. At the time of his election to pope, he was believed to be suffering from a terminal illness. His papal coronation had not yet occurred, so theoretically he was never pope. Many people believed that he was not dead, but had been dismissed and forced to spend the remainder of his life in seclusion.