Two Popes. . . Francis and John Paul II. . . Their deaths were separated for almost exactly 20 years. They have similar personal approaches to world-renowned figures. . . But the two were different. I was honored to cover both.
News of Pope Francis’ death came when I was back in London from my long Easter weekend in America. Francis was seriously ill, but he appeared to be under repair, so his quick and quiet death in a modest apartment in a guesthouse in Santa Marta captured many surprises. My planned “catnap” at home has become a simple dash to a UK studio.
In a series of “live shots,” I talked about a man who seemed very familiar to everyone. They called him the “pope of the people.” And it’s no wonder. The first from the Americas. Champion of victims of oppressed people, war, hunger and poverty for 12 years. It takes on major global issues such as inequality and global warming. They are intertwined with the degree of success in issues within the Roman Catholic Church, such as sexual abuse and the role of women and gay people. Everything is personal, humble and humorous.
FOX NEWS TO AIR AIR Special Live Coverage for Pope Francis’ Funeral on Saturday
Followers hold a portrait of the late Pope Francis in Vasilica de San Jose de Flores, whom he worshipped as a youth, following the announcement of the Vatican’s death in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Monday, April 21, 2025. (Gustavo Garello/AP)
At the same time, in my mind I remember the passing of Pope John Paul II. I was in the Vatican on a chilly night in April 2005 and reported to the Fox News team. The Pope was literally on his deathbed in his apartment in his Apostles’ Palace, overlooking the square of St. Peter. And the light went off.
Fox News correspondent Greg Palkot reports the death of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican city in April 2005. (Fox News)
That night, we also detailed the life of this man who captured the spirit of the world. A strong voice for freedom and democracy. It played a major role in defeating communism in Poland’s hometown and elsewhere. John Paul II tried to unite the world by lining up the church’s rulings. I covered him for 26 years and started in 1978 as a “Cub” producer with his Conclave.
Greg Parcott, left, produced by WABC News in October 1978 during the conclave of John Paul II in Vatican City. (Courtesy Greg Parcott)
After both deaths, Vatican officials were used using the same words to describe the “travel” that the Pope took those fateful days. “He’s back to his father’s house.”
The passing of the Pope is just the beginning of a lengthy process when the Vatican handed over the keys to a new leader to a church of 1.3 billion global followers. The drama of the new Pope’s choice follows a massive funeral that meets the ceremony. . . White smoke for the new Pope. And their inauguration ceremony.
The Cards gathered in the wake of the death of John Paul II and chose Pope Benedict XVI, a more conservative and older leader than they had previously chosen. He only served for eight years. His resignation (he passed away in 2022) paved the way for another Conclave, choosing Pope Francis of Argentine.
Pope Francis revealed his wish for burial a few days after becoming Pope in 2013
Greg Parcott of Fox News reported on both Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II. (Pope Francis AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino | John Paul II: Getty Images)
Both John Paul II and Francis were considered long-term outsiders. Speculation is now constructed about the choices that will be made in the upcoming Pope “elections.” Will it return the Pope to Italian rule or spread its reach to new countries and continents? Will the new Pope revive a more conservative approach to the Church, or will it remain in Francis’ modern spirit?
I’ll know for the next few days.
Many of us have reminders from those who have passed. In my case, literally. In 2005, a Vatican insider gave John Paul II the blessed Rosary Beads. Since then, I have been with me on every trip from time to time. From Afghanistan and Iraq. . . To the Middle East and Ukraine.
The Rosary Beads, blessed by Pope John Paul II, were carried by Greg Parcott on his trip. (Greg Parcott)
I will also keep my memory of my late mother with me. She was a huge fan of the Pope of Poland. She died of Lou Gehrig’s illness, or body-destructive ALS. It resembles some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease that contributed to the death of John Paul II.
Born out of humble stock, I know that Mom also loved Pope Francis’ simple faith. And how did he pass? Some say he held back his “departure” until Monday after the Easter events.
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As some in my family think, my mother held back her death until the day after my April birthday. I will be considerate of others until the very end.
Let the peaceful Francis rest. Although I’m sure you’re doing a lot to interact with all your friends “upper floor”!
