On Friday 24 November, as part of the conference The Magisterium of John Paul I in the light of his library, a three-year memorandum of understanding was signed between the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Vatican Foundation John Paul I. "Between John Paul I and this University there is a deep and well-rooted bond," recalled the Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Fr. Mark Lewis S.J. "A bond that we wish to cultivate and enhance.

The aim of the agreement is to develop and regulate collaborative relationships, aimed at both the mutual exchange of expertise in the educational field, and the development and implementation of research programmes, as well as the valorisation of research results and the preparation of synergic actions aimed at fostering the integration of teaching and research.

These include the process of cataloguing, protection and valorisation through research projects of Blessed Albino Luciani's library itself, in which the Gregorian's Faculty of History and Cultural Heritage of the Church will participate. "We proudly take part in this work," said Prof. Ottavio Bucarelli, director of the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Church. "The library of Blessed Albino Luciani-John Paul I is the custodian and witness of the sanctity of this pope, and it is no coincidence that the unpublished relic brought to St. Peter's Square on the day of his beatification was one of his manuscript documents. The sense of this agreement is to enhance this heritage, which must, however, be made usable and accessible'.

The agreement was signed at the end of the conference by Rector Fr. Mark Lewis S.J., Card. Pietro Parolin, president of the Foundation, and its legal representative, Dr. Stefania Falasca.