October 1978 papal conclave October 1978 papal conclave The papal conclave of October 1978 was triggered by the death of Pope John Paul I on 28 September just 33 days after his election on 26 August. The conclave to elect John Paul I's successor began on 14 October and ended two days later on 16 October, after eight ballots. The cardinal electors elected Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, Archbishop of Kraków, as the new pope. Resulting in the most recent Year of Three Popes, he accepted his election and took the pontifical name of "John Paul II". Ten days after the funeral of Pope John Paul
Clemente Domínguez y Gómez of Angels shall assist you... me Great Pope Gregory, Glory of the Olives..." He also claimed that Christ had named him His sub-Vicar, with the automatic right of succession to the papacy after Pope Paul VI. On 6 August 1978, Pope Paul died and Domínguez claimed the papacy, proclaiming himself "Pope Gregory XVII". Domínguez claimed that he was visited by Christ, along with St. Peter and St. Paul, who told him The reign of the Glory of the Olives has begun... A great day today, in which you are vested with the Office of Pope, on this feast of the