The John Paul I Vatican Foundation was established by the Holy Father Pope Francis on Feb. 17, 2020, with Rescriptum ex audientia Ss. mi, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and the Fundamental Law of the State of Vatican City, coming to meet the proposal to create an entity intended to deepen the figure, thought, and teachings of Albino Luciani - John Paul I and promote the study of his writings.
The President of the Foundation, by pontifical appointment, is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State. Organs of the Foundation are the Board of Directors, consisting of six members appointed by the President with a five-year term, the Vice President, the Scientific Committee, whose members are chosen from among personalities of proven competence and experience with the possibility of being temporarily expanded for particular initiatives, projects, studies, research or consultations.
As stipulated in Article 2 of the Statute, the specific purposes of the Foundation are:
- to study and carry out research on the figure of John Paul I and his teachings;
- safeguard and maintain his cultural and religious legacy;
- promote initiatives such as conferences, meetings, seminars, study sessions;
- establish awards and scholarships;
- tend to editorial activity by publishing the result of studies and research by its own members as well as of third parties;
- act as point of reference in Italy and abroad, for those working in the same field and with the same objectives.