Pope Francis prays for journalist who died at World Youth Day

Anna Maria Jacobini

Pope Francis yesterday remembered Italian journalist Anna Maria Jacobini, who died in her hotel bed in Krakow on Friday. The 58-year-old was covering World Youth Day for RAI, the Italian state broadcaster. She is believed to have died of natural causes. Her death was not reported immediately because her 94-year-old mother had to be informed first.

Anna Maria led a weekly Catholic affairs program and in the past had covered other papal trips, grueling affairs for reporters, who usually work from before dawn till late into the night. She is said to have told colleagues on Thursday night that she was feeling tired.

Pope Francis said during the General Audience: "I cannot forget Anna Maria Jacobini, an Italian journalist who died suddenly....please pray for her. She died in while in the service of her profession."

Source: VIS/RAI