Two potatoes. . . Francis and Juan Pablo II. . . Their deaths separated for almost exactly twenty years. Both world -renowned and similar figures in the personal approach. . . But the two were also different. I had the honor of covering both.
The news of Pope Francis’s death came just when he returned to London from a long Easter weekend in the United States. While Francis had been seriously ill, Hey also seemed to be in repair, so his fast and quiet death in his modest apartment in the Hiesta de Santa Marta, many by surprise. A “Catnap” planned by me at home became a quick race in our United Kingdom study.
In a series of “Tomas live”, I talked about a man who seemed so familiar to everyone. They call the “Pope of the people.” And it is not surprising. The first of the Americas. For 12 years, an oppressed champion, victims of war, hunger and poverty. Assuming great world problems such as inequality and global warming. Enredo, with successful degrees, with problems within the novel Catholic Church such as sexual abuse and roles of women and gays. All with a personal, humble and humorous touch.
Fox News to Air Special live coverage of Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday
A follower has a portrait of the late Pope Francis in the Basilica of San José de Flores, where he approached when he was young, after the announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Monday 21, 2025. (Gustavo Garello/AP)
And at the same time, in my mind, there were memories of the death of Pope John Paul II. I was there in the city of the Vatican on a cold night in April 2005, informing with the Fox News team. The Pope was literally on his deathbed in his apartment of the Apostolic Palace with the Plaza de San Pedro, where tens of thousands had gathered in a massive vigil. And then the lights are turned off.
The Fox News correspondent, Greg Palkot, informs about the death of Pope John Paul II in the city of the Vatican, April 2005 (Fox News)
We also detail that night, the life of this man who had captured the spirit of the world. A strong voice for freedom and democracy. Who had played an important role in demolishing communism in his homeland of Poland and in other places. John Paul II tried to gather the world while maintaining the decisions of the Church online. He had covered it for 26 years, starting as producer “puppy” in his conclave in 1978.
Greg Palkot, on the left, producing for Wabc News Duning The Concentfave for John Pablo II in the city of the Vatican, October 1978. (Courtesy Greg Palkot)
After both deaths, Vatican officials used the same words to describe the “trip” the touch of the potatoes in those fateful days: “He has returned to his father’s house.”
The death of a Pope is only the beginning of a legitimate process when the Vatican delivers the church keys of 1.3 billion global followers to a new leader. A massive funeral of the ceremony-Laaden is followed by the drama of the selection of a new Pope, the conclave with his black smoke by any decision. . . White smoke for a new Pope. And then its inauguration.
The cardinals who gathered following the pass of John Paul II chose Pope Benedict XVI a more conservative and older leader than they had chosen before. I would only turn eight years. His resignation (he died in 2022) raided the way for another conclave, which chose the Argentine Pope Francis.
Pope Francis revealed burial wishes only a few days after becoming Pope in 2013
Greg Palkot of Fox News reported on Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II. (Pope Francis Ap Photo/Alessandra Tarantino | John Paul II: Getty Images)
It was thought that John Paul II as Francis were strange in the long term. Speculation is now being built on the choice that must be made in the next papal “choice.” Will the papacy return to the Italian domain or extend its reach to a new country and continent? Will the new Pope relive a more conservative approach to the Church or will stay in Francis’s modern spirit?
The next few days will say it.
Many of us carry our own reminders of those who have died. In my case, literally. In 2005, a source of the Vatican gave me accounts of Rosario blessed by John Paul II. I have kept them with me on all my trips sometimes roar since then. Of Afghanistan and Iraq. . . To the Middle East and Ukraine.
Rosary Beads blessed by Pope John Paul II, transported by Greg Palkot on his trips. (Greg Palkot)
I also follow with me the memory of my late mother. She was a big fan of the Polish pontiff. She died of Lou Hrig’s disease, or yes, that they devastate the body. Similar to some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease that contributed to the death of John Paul II.
Born of humble stocks, I know that mom would also have liked the simple faith or Pope Francis. And how it happened. There are some who say that he hero of his “departure” until Monday after Easter events, not to spoil that Holy Day in the Roman Catholic calendar.
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Like some in my family they think, my mother retained her death until the day after my April birthday. Considered with others until the end.
Rest in peace Francis. There I am sure you will have a lot to do with all your friends “above”!