John Paul I, the shortest-serving pope in living memory, is to be beatified, one step short of sainthood, Pope Francis said Wednesday. Francis authorized the Congregation for the causes of Saints to promulgate a decree regarding a miracle attributed to late pope, who served for 33 days from August to September 1978.

John Paul I, whose birth name was Albino Luciani, died at the age of 66 on September 28 1978. He was succeeded by long-serving Polish pope John Paul II; who has already been named a saint. John Paul I was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City from 26 August 1978 to his death 33 days later. He was the first pope born in the 20th century.