BBC’s David Willey, Vatican correspondent, dies at 93

Mon Sep 14 2026 05:28:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Veteran BBC journalist who reported on five popes, "David Willey" has died after six decades of global reporting.

David Willey, famed BBC foreign correspondent, passed away at 93 after a career spanning more than 50 years. He covered Algeria, Vietnam, China and the Vatican, reporting on the papacies of five popes. Recognised for his keen insight, he received an OBE and authored the book "The Promise of Pope Francis". In his final years he reflected on the changing Vatican after Pope Francis' death. Colleagues remembered him as an incisive observer and generous mentor.

David Willey, BBC Vatican correspondent, dies aged 93

The BBC says veteran foreign correspondent David Willey has died at the age of 93. A career that spanned more than half a century saw him report from Algeria, Vietnam, China and Rome, covering the papacies of five popes.

Willey was an authority on the Vatican, earning an OBE for services to broadcast journalism and publishing the book "The Promise of Pope Francis" which he gave to the pontiff in 2016.

"He was an incredible authority on the Vatican, reporting and travelling with five Popes, and was so kind, giving me insight and encouragement when I started in Rome in 2019," said BBC correspondent Mark Lowen.

"An esteemed friend and colleague with a mischievous sense of humour and endless fascinating stories from his assignments around the world," noted Gillian Hazell, a former producer who worked closely with him in Rome.

In 2025, after Pope Francis’ death, Willey reflected on how the Vatican had changed under the late pontiff and remarked that his life spanned eight successive papal reigns. He continued to work well into his nineties, producing incisive analysis until his passing from heart failure in Italy, where he had made his home.

David Willey’s legacy as a reporter who captured history from its heart will continue to inform and inspire future journalists covering the ever‑evolving world of the Vatican.