Catholic journalists reflect on covering Pope Francis

By Rick Snizek, Executive Editor
I had the honor of covering Pope Francis on two occasions, the first in September 2015 during his first visit to the United States as pontiff, and the second three years later at the Vatican. I saw a kind and gentle pope through my lens in Washington, D.C., above, as he left the White House and began a procession around the Ellipse in his popemobile for thousands who gathered under tight security to see him in person during his historic visit, which also took him to Philadelphia and New York City. I remember his broad smile, even after the crowds thinned as he returned to the White House, disembarking into his trademark Fiat. As a journalist participating in the Church Up Close Program in Rome, in 2018, I was privileged to have a prime seat on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, where I was able to photograph Pope Francis for his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Photo: Rick Snizek

 

By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent
In the fall of 2022, I was privileged to cover the ordination of a class of deacons from the Pontifical North American College as part of a larger pilgrimage I undertook with a priest and a group of others. During that trip, we attended Pope Francis’ Wednesday general audience. The plaza before St. Peter’s Basilica wasn’t crowded, but those present — including the soon-to-be-ordained seminarians — cheered joyfully as the pope circled St. Peter’s Square several times in the popemobile. Two members of our pilgrimage group had brought their infant son, who Pope Francis even stopped to kiss. I remember watching the encounter on the large screens set out at the front of the square and the joy on the father’s face. As for me, I stood on my metal folding chair, balanced my zoom lens on my priest’s shoulder and tried my best to capture that iconic shot of the pope that every journalist dreams about.

Photo: Jennifer Barton