Perspectives on papal transitions: Rome’s veteran journalist

March 9, 2013: The cardinals are looking for someone to exert a strong hand in the Curia, at the same time someone with some pastoral charms, someone who knows how to speak, to communicate – that’s very important in today’s communications-mad world, you just have to learn to live with it…” that was the views of veteran journalist and bureau chief of the Associated Press news agency in Rome, Victor Simpson. While speaking to Vatican Radio’s Philippa Hitchen, he said that in his long career of 46 years, he has followed the past four pontificates.

“Between John Paul and Benedict I did 92 papal trips around the world, he said adding that the Pope’s resignation could be revolutionary. it has certainly set a precedent and I think some people are wary about that….on the other hand the Pope himself makes very clear the conditions under which it is possible to resign….

The role of the media has been a subject of heated discussion during these days of Sede Vacante here in the Vatican, with around 5.000 journalists from around the world currently accredited to cover the Conclave and inauguration of the next Roman pontiff.