by Barry de Silva
St Joseph’s College Banora Point alumna and Nine Europe Correspondent Jessica Millward reflects on the story of a lifetime covering the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Jessica has over a decade of reporting from some of the world’s most challenging environments – disaster zones hit by floods, conflict-ridden regions fraught with danger, and communities rebuilding from devastation. But nothing in her career prepared her for the experience of covering two of the most significant moments in contemporary religious history. The sudden passing of Pope Francis and the ensuing election of Pope Leo XIV.
Honouring Francis
It all began when Jessica was already en route to Paris for another assignment. “The news had broken that Pope Francis had died unexpectedly. It was quite a shock because we’d seen him the day before on Easter Sunday in St Peter’s Square.”
When Jessica arrived in Rome, the city was transformed. The usual bustling energy was replaced by a solemn quietness.
“I found people gathered in unexpected places. They were outside churches, in piazzas, sitting silently on benches, some weeping quietly, others deep in prayer,” Jessica shared. “People queued for hours in the sun just for a glimpse of the Pope. It illustrated the impact he had on millions; Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
Electing a new pontiff
As the days progressed, global attention shifted toward the impending Conclave – the centuries-old process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope. The tension and anticipation were tangible, not just within the religious community but across the media landscape worldwide.
“The Conclave is steeped in tradition and mystery, and that captivated audiences everywhere,” Jessica explains. “Journalists and experts speculated endlessly about who might be chosen. The coverage wasn’t just about the election itself but about what the new pope would represent.”
For Jessica, she remembers the historic moment when the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released white smoke, signalling the election of a new pontiff. “People were waving flags from all across the world. People were hugging. There were priests on shoulders cheering – it was just the most extraordinary moment of unity.”
When it was revealed that Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected and had taken the name of Pope Leo XIV, Jessica observed a moment that transcended language, culture, and belief. “As he emerged on the balcony, even before he uttered a word, you could see the emotion on people’s faces, they were shouting ‘Papa, Papa!’”
Jessica believes the overwhelming global response stemmed from more than religious devotion alone. “In our 24/7 news cycle, the entire world can watch historic events unfold live. Films like Conclave and The Two Popes have also given people a window into the Church and papacy.”
School values
Growing up in Albury and later moving to the Gold Coast, Jessica spent her later high school years at St Joseph’s College Banora Point. Her time there, she says, instilled values that have shaped her journalism.
“My English teacher, Janet Crouch, taught me to listen deeply and approach every story with empathy. So many elements of my job are about helping people get justice, whether that be in a court case, or giving them the platform to have a voice. That ability to understand and connect with people has been invaluable throughout my career.”
A story of hope
While much of the news world is dominated by tragedy and conflict, Jessica reflects on how these two events offered a rare contrast. “It wasn’t about loss in the usual sense, but about coming together, about connection and hope. The sense that something greater than ourselves was at work – these moments touch something universal in people, regardless of faith or background.”
For a brief moment, Jessica says, the world was united not by division but by shared hope and humanity. “Witnessing that was humbling. It reminded me why I became a journalist. To tell stories that matter, stories that bring us closer, stories that capture the best of who we are.”
