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Longtime AP bureau chief Victor Simpson, who covered 5 popes, dies at 84
He covered five popes and major world events during a 46-year AP career, and died of cancer at 84, his children said.
- Victor L. Simpson, the longtime Rome bureau chief for The Associated Press, died Sunday at 84 after a 46-year career spanning five popes and major global conflicts.
- Simpson joined the AP in Newark in 1967, covering race riots and organized crime before transferring to Rome in 1972, where he became one of the longest-serving Vatican correspondents, making 92 trips with John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI.
- Simpson's life was marked by tragedy: his father was shot during a robbery in 1964, and his 11-year-old daughter, Natasha, was killed by Palestinian militants at Rome's airport on December 27, 1985. Yet he secured a landmark 1988 exclusive with Pope John Paul on Solidarity in Poland.
- Retired AP President and CEO Louis D. Boccardi called Simpson 'one of a kind,' while Executive Editor Julie Pace said he built 'a lasting legacy' and remains 'regularly' referenced in AP bureaus worldwide.
- Vatican reporter Philip Pullella said Simpson's Jewish background allowed him to cover the Holy See without 'false awe,' seeing it as an institution requiring impartial coverage. Simpson stayed through the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.
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The Toronto Star+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Longtime AP bureau chief Victor Simpson, who covered 5 popes, dies at 84
ROME (AP) — Victor L. Simpson, the longtime Rome bureau chief for The Associated Press whose four decades as a foreign correspondent spanned five popes, wars and violence that touched him personally, has died. He was 84.
·Toronto, Canada
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Longtime AP bureau chief Victor Simpson, who covered 5 popes, dies at
ROME (AP) — Victor L. Simpson, the longtime Rome bureau chief for The Associated Press whose four decades as a foreign correspondent spanned five popes, wars and violence that touched him personally, has died. He was 84.
·Baltimore, United States
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left10Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution77% Left
Bias Distribution
- 77% of the sources lean Left
77% Left
L 77%
15%
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