Pope John Paul II’s Predictable Departure vs. Pope Francis’ Unexpected Transition
Pope John Paul II’s Passing:
On the night of April 2, 2005, the world was well aware that Pope John Paul II’s end was near. He had been lingering for days, with the light from his room overlooking St. Peter’s Square serving as a tangible connection to the faithful.
Pope Francis’ Unexpected Transition:
In stark contrast, Pope Francis’ death at 88 on Monday came as a surprise, despite his ongoing recovery from a double pneumonia hospitalization. In the days leading up to his passing, he made several public appearances, albeit brief, signaling his determination to gradually return to work.
Differing Atmospheres:
While Francis’ death saw mostly tourists gathering out of curiosity due to the Easter holiday season in Rome, John Paul II’s passing drew tens of thousands of praying individuals in St. Peter’s Square throughout the day and into the night.
A Look Back at Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI, Francis’ immediate predecessor, passed away in 2022 at the age of 95 after withdrawing from public life following his resignation in 2013.
Pope Francis’ Modest Surroundings
Francis met his end in the modest suite of the Santa Marta guesthouse, a choice he made after his election in 2013 when he renounced the spacious papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, which overlook St. Peter’s Square and symbolically extend to the world.
Unlike John Paul II, whose death was watched by thousands in the square, Francis’ passing was far more private. The windows of his apartment faced an inner courtyard, close to St. Peter’s Basilica and a century-old defensive wall separating the world’s smallest state from Rome.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell’s Announcement:
On Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo overseeing Vatican affairs in the coming weeks, announced Pope Francis’ death via the Vatican television channel.
Echoes of the Past:
Farrell spoke from a small room, flanked by high-ranking Vatican officials, addressing the camera. He used the exact same words as Sandri had uttered two decades prior in a far more emotional context.
“The Pope,” Farrell said, “has returned to the Father’s house.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis? Pope John Paul II served from 1978 to 2005, while Pope Francis held the position from 2013 to 2022.
- Why was Pope Francis’ death unexpected? Despite his recent illness, Francis had been making public appearances, giving the impression he was recovering and preparing to return to work.
- How did their deaths differ? John Paul II’s passing drew massive crowds in St. Peter’s Square, whereas Francis’ death saw fewer people due to Easter holidays and his more private surroundings.
- Who announced Pope Francis’ death? Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, made the announcement via Vatican television.
