1978 (mcmlxxviii) was a common year starting on sunday of the gregorian calendar, the 1978th year of the common era (ce) and anno domini (ad) designations, the 978th year of the 2nd millennium, the 78th year of the 20th century, and the 9th year of the 1970s decade. In august beloved and long-serving pope paul vi died, and the vatican struggled to pick a successor. Learn about 616 famous, scandalous and important events that happened in 1978 or search by date or keyword. Historical events from year 1978. · however, 1978 will always be remembered as the year of the three popes. Discover events in 1978. Famous historical events that shook and changed the world. Against his own wishes, they settled on the future john paul i, who foretold that his “reign would be a short one. ” From political shifts to cultural breakthroughs, discover the most significant events that shaped the year. What happened in the year 1978 in history? Relive the key moments of 1978!