Antonio Pelayo, the longest-serving Spanish correspondent covering the Vatican, broke down live on air due to the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Pelayo, a journalist for Antena 3 and a priest, expressed his profound sorrow during a segment on the program Y Ahora Sonsoles, stating he felt he had "lost a father" with the passing of Jorge Bergoglio. The emotional moment resonated with viewers as Pelayo shared his personal connection to the late pontiff.
Pelayo, who has been reporting on the Catholic Church and the Vatican for Antena 3 since 1990, revealed that he had a close relationship with Pope Francis, making the loss feel particularly personal. "You find me in a rather depressed state of mind, because for me it is a personal loss," he stated, his voice trembling with emotion. He recounted how the Pope had gifted him six bottles of Argentinian wine for his birthday, a gesture he cherished, noting that he still has one bottle remaining.
After spending over a month in hospital due to complications from pneumonia, Pope Francis died at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. His health had been deteriorating since mid-February when he was admitted for bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican had initially described his condition as routine but soon acknowledged the seriousness of his illness. Pelayo reported on the official medical updates, stating, "First a devastating cerebral stroke, then a cardiovascular collapse, and finally death," highlighting the rapid decline of the Pope's health.
The death of Pope Francis has sent shockwaves through both the Catholic community and the broader world. As news of his passing spread, it dominated television broadcasts across Spain, with many networks adjusting their programming to cover the event. Antena 3 reported that the announcement of the Pope's death at 7:35 AM on Monday shocked the Catholic and political world alike.
Throughout his career, Pelayo has covered the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. He has been a prominent figure in Vatican reporting, known for his insights and personal anecdotes. Reflecting on his experiences, Pelayo noted, "I have seen five popes die, but I have never felt so intimately connected to any of them." His connection to Pope Francis was marked by moments of genuine warmth, as he described how they often spoke informally, transcending the traditional barriers between a journalist and a pontiff.
Many have expressed their condolences and shared their experiences with Pope Francis. Notable figures, including Spanish television host Ana Rosa Quintana, recounted the Pope's kindness during her battle with cancer. Pelayo's heartfelt tribute highlighted the Pope's emphasis on fraternity and compassion, stating, "He sought fraternity, being all brothers, because we are all children of God, and I think no pope has been able to transmit that." His words captured the essence of Pope Francis's mission to prioritize the marginalized and vulnerable.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, preparations for his funeral are underway. Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, the ceremony will mark the end of an era for the Catholic Church. Pelayo emphasized the importance of remembering the Pope's legacy, particularly his dedication to the poor, migrants, and those suffering from conflict and climate disasters. "The memory of this pope will be linked to his love for the poor, for the emigrants, for the refugees," he remarked.
In a poignant moment during his live broadcast, Pelayo reflected on the Pope's unique ability to connect with people, stating, "No pope has been able to transmit that closeness." His admiration for Pope Francis was evident as he shared how the pontiff's gestures often spoke louder than words. Pelayo felt privileged to have had the opportunity to engage with the Pope on a personal level, often addressing him informally and discussing matters of faith and humanity.
As the media converges on the Vatican for the funeral, Pelayo's emotional response serves as a reminder of the profound impact Pope Francis had on those around him. His commitment to addressing the needs of the less fortunate and fostering a spirit of brotherhood will be remembered by many. Pelayo concluded his tribute with a heartfelt statement, saying, "He was a pope who gave everything for the Church and for the people." The legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
In the wake of this significant loss, the world watches closely as the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader during the upcoming conclave, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the faithful. As for Antonio Pelayo, his deep sense of loss reflects the sentiments of many who admired the Pope's leadership and compassion.
