The Holy Father Francis, with Rescriptum ex audientia Ss.mi of 17 February 2020, has instituted the John Paul I Vatican Foundation, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and the fundamental Law of the Vatican City State, thus accepting the proposal to create a body intended to study further the person, thought and teachings of his venerable Predecessor, Pope John Paul I - Albino Luciani (26 August 1978 - 28 September 1978) - and to promote the study and dissemination of his writings (cf. Statute, art. 1).

More particularly, the Foundation aims to:

- protect and preserve the cultural and religious heritage of Pope John Paul I;

- promote initiatives such as conferences, meetings, seminars and study sessions;

- establish prizes and scholarships;

- to carry out editorial activity through the publication of both the results of its own studies and research and the works of third parties;

- to propose itself as a point of reference, in Italy and abroad, for those working in the same field and with the same aims (Statute, art. 2).

At the same time, the Supreme Pontiff appointed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, as President of the Foundation. In implementation of the provisions of art. 4, paragraph 1 of the Statute, the same President appointed the members of the Board of Directors, for a period of five years, in the persons of Dr. Stefania Falasca, who also assumes the role of Vice-President of the Foundation; His Eminence Cardinal Beniamino Stella; the Reverend Msgr. Andrea Celli; the Reverend Don Davide Fiocco; Dr. Lina Petri; and Dr. Alfonso Cauteruccio.

In order to carry out its activities, the Foundation avails itself of a Scientific Committee, composed of six members, chosen among personalities of proven competence and experience, but with the possibility of being temporarily expanded for particular initiatives, projects, studies, research or consultations.