'We knew him long before he became pope: Cork journalist on his 'enduring' friendship with Pope Francis

Pope Francis greets Gerard O'Connell, Vatican correspondent for 'America' magazine, during an audience with members of the International Association of Journalists last year. Picture: CNS /Vatican Media

A Cork-born journalist and his wife, who was brought up in Argentina, are much sought after by the international media converging on Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis and the Conclave which will elect his successor.

Gerard O'Connell, a native of Cork city, has been Vatican correspondent for numerous publications throughout the world for more than 40 years. His wife, Elisabetta Pique, although Italian-born, was brought up and educated in Argentina.