Two popes . . . Francis and John Paul II . . . their deaths separated by nearly precisely twenty years. Each world-renowned figures and related in private strategy . . . however the two had been totally different, as effectively. I had the honour of protecting each.
The information of the dying of Pope Francis got here simply as I used to be returning to London from an extended Easter weekend within the States. Whereas Francis had been critically ailing, he additionally gave the impression to be on the mend, so his fast and quiet dying at his modest condominium within the Santa Marta guesthouse caught many unexpectedly. A deliberate “catnap” by me at dwelling was a fast sprint to our UK studio.
In a sequence of “stay pictures,” I talked a few man who appeared so acquainted to all. They referred to as him the “Individuals’s Pope.” And no surprise. The primary from the Americas. For 12 years a champion of the downtrodden, victims of conflict, starvation and poverty. Taking over massive world points like inequality and world warming. Tangling, with levels of success, with points contained in the Roman Catholic Church like intercourse abuse and the roles of girls and gays. All with a private, humble and humorous contact.
FOX NEWS TO AIR SPECIAL LIVE COVERAGE OF POPE FRANCIS’ FUNERAL ON SATURDAY
A follower holds a portrait of the late Pope Francis on the Basílica de San José de Flores, the place he worshipped as a youth, following the Vatican’s announcement of his dying in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, April 21, 2025. (Gustavo Garello/AP)
And on the similar time, in my thoughts, there have been recollections of the passing of Pope John Paul II. I used to be there in Vatican Metropolis on a cold evening in April 2005, reporting with the Fox Information workforce. The pope was actually on his deathbed in his Apostolic Palace condominium overlooking St. Peter’s Sq., the place tens of hundreds had gathered in a mass vigil. After which the lights went out.
Fox Information Correspondent Greg Palkot reporting on the passing of Pope John Paul II at Vatican Metropolis, April 2005 (Fox Information)
We detailed, too, that evening, the lifetime of this man who had captured the spirit of the world. A powerful voice for freedom and democracy. Who had performed an enormous function in bringing down communism in his homeland of Poland and elsewhere. John Paul II tried to convey the world collectively as he stored church rulings in line. I had lined him for 26 years, beginning as a “cub” producer at his conclave in 1978.
Greg Palkot, left, producing for WABC Information throughout the conclave for John Paul II at Vatican Metropolis, October 1978. (Courtesy Greg Palkot)
After each deaths, the identical phrases had been utilized by Vatican officers to explain the “journey” the Popes took on these fateful days: “He has returned to the home of his father.”
The passing of a pope is only the start of a prolonged course of when the Vatican turns over the keys to the church of 1.3 billion world followers to a brand new chief. A large ceremony-laden funeral is then adopted by the drama of the number of a brand new pope, the conclave with its black smoke for no choice . . . white smoke for a brand new Pope. After which their inauguration.
The cardinals who gathered within the wake of the passing of John Paul II selected Pope Benedict XVI a extra conservative and extra aged chief than they’d picked earlier than. He would solely serve for eight years. His resignation (he died in 2022) paved the best way for an additional conclave, which selected the Argentinian Pope Francis.
POPE FRANCIS REVEALED BURIAL WISHES JUST DAYS AFTER BECOMING POPE IN 2013
Fox Information’ Greg Palkot reported on each Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II. (Pope Francis AP Picture/Alessandra Tarantino | John Paul II: Getty Photos)
Each John Paul II and Francis had been considered long-shot outsiders. Hypothesis is now constructing concerning the option to be made within the upcoming papal “election.” Will it return the papacy to Italian dominance or unfold its attain to a brand new nation and continent? Will the brand new pope revive a extra conservative strategy to the church or keep within the trendy spirit of Francis?
The approaching days will inform.
Many people carry our personal reminders of those that have handed. In my case, actually. In 2005, a Vatican insider gave me rosary beads blessed by John Paul II. I’ve stored them with me on all my sometimes-rough travels since. From Afghanistan and Iraq . . . to the Mideast and Ukraine.
Rosary beads blessed by Pope John Paul II, carried by Greg Palkot on his travels. (Greg Palkot)
I additionally hold with me the reminiscence of my late mom. She was an enormous fan of the Polish pontiff. She died of Lou Gehrig’s illness, or ALS, which ravages the physique. Just like a few of the results of Parkinson’s illness that contributed to John Paul II’s dying.
Born of humble inventory, I do know Mother would even have appreciated the easy religion of Pope Francis. And the way he handed. There are some who say he held off his “departure” till the Monday after the occasions of Easter, in order to not spoil that almost all holy day within the Roman Catholic calendar.
CLICK HERE TO GET TO THE FOX NEWS APP
Similar to some in my household suppose, my mom held off her passing till the day after my April birthday. Thoughtful of others to the tip.
Relaxation in Peace Francis. Though I’m positive you’ll have loads of catching as much as do with all your mates “upstairs”!
Source link