Reporter’s Notebook: From John Paul II to Francis, covering two historic papacies

The passing of two iconic figures in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II, has left a void in the hearts of millions around the world. Their deaths, separated by almost exactly twenty years, have sparked memories of their remarkable lives and legacies.

Pope Francis, known as the “People’s Pope,” was the first pope from the Americas. During his 12-year papacy, he championed the cause of the downtrodden, speaking out on issues of war, hunger, poverty, inequality, and global warming. He also addressed internal church matters, such as sex abuse and the role of women and gays, with a personal, humble, and humorous touch. His sudden death at his modest apartment in the Santa Marta guesthouse took many by surprise, as he had been on the road to recovery.

In contrast, Pope John Paul II was a strong voice for freedom and democracy, playing a significant role in the fall of communism in his native Poland and beyond. During his 26-year papacy, he worked to bring the world together while upholding traditional church teachings. His passing in 2005 was marked by a massive ceremony-laden funeral and the subsequent selection of Pope Benedict XVI.

The deaths of both popes have set the stage for the selection of new leaders to guide the Catholic Church. Speculation abounds about the upcoming papal “election” and the direction the church will take under its new leader. Will the next pope be Italian or from a different continent? Will they embrace a more conservative approach or continue in the modern spirit of Pope Francis?

As the world mourns the loss of these two influential figures, many carry personal reminders of their impact. For Greg Palkot, a London-based senior foreign affairs correspondent for Fox News Channel, it is a set of rosary beads blessed by Pope John Paul II that he carries on his travels. These beads serve as a connection to his late mother, a devoted fan of the Polish pontiff who passed away from ALS, a disease similar to the one that contributed to John Paul II’s death.

In the coming days, the Catholic Church will navigate the transition to a new pope, and the world will watch to see how the church evolves in the wake of these two remarkable leaders. As Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II take their place in the “house of their father,” their legacies will continue to inspire and guide the faithful.

Rest in Peace, Francis and John Paul II. Your memory lives on in the hearts of millions.