This year is the 40th anniversary of the Year of the Three Popes which occurred in 1978. The three popes involved were:- Paul VI, who was elected on 21 June 1963 and died on 6 August 1978. - John Paul I, who was elected on 26 August 1978 and died thirty-three days later on 28 September 1978.- John Paul II, who was elected on 16 October 1978 and held the position until his death 26 years, 5 months, and 18 days later on 2 April 2005.So on this weeks programme we discuss that eventful year and the impact it had on Church and world history with the end of the Italian stranglehold on the papacy and a shift to engagement with the world following the implementation of the Second Vatican Council.