For a Catholic photographer, it doesn’t get any better than being assigned to work at the Vatican.
Paul Haring captured some of the most dramatic moments in the pontificates of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis as the Vatican photographer for the Catholic News Service 2009-23. The work could be grueling, but as a son of the Arlington diocese, Haring credits his Catholic formation at St. Michael’s Church in Annandale for preparing him to meet the physical demands.
“I was an altar server at St. Michael’s and was very dedicated to that,” said Haring, who now works in Connecticut as the manager of photography for the Knights of Columbus. “I was thinking how that dedication, all those odd hours, early mornings, gave me the strength to get through those papal liturgies that are so long.”
Adjusting to life in Rome, learning Italian, and earning the respect of the Vatican press corps was a long process. “It took a few years until I was comfortable in my role,” said Haring. “I always felt welcomed, but earning respect took a longer time. I was learning Italian and was very happy that in the end, I was accepted by my Italian colleagues, and flourished in the photographic community covering the Vatican.”
Haring became one of the most respected members of that community, and many of his photographs have achieved iconic status. He hesitates to name favorites, but one of his most famous shots captured a weary Pope Benedict XVI in his final public appearance at Castel Gandolfo, Feb. 28, 2013, after his stunning retirement announcement only 17 days earlier.
“I was working on a rooftop with other photographers,” said Haring. “Our visual media manager had told me, ‘Make sure you get him turning away,’ so that was in the back of my mind. It was all happening very quickly, and I was not in the right position. I wanted to move but this voice inside of me said, ‘Just shoot the picture, don’t move.’ And thank God I didn’t move.”
Taken from the rooftop of another building overlooking the façade of Castel Gandolfo, the historic image of the first pope to retire since Gregory VII in 1415, is profoundly moving.
It was the international papal trips that made a lasting impact on Haring’s heart. “The crowd sizes were mind blowing,” he said. “In the Philippines, I’ll never forget seeing people 50-deep on both sides of the street for miles to see Pope Francis. An estimated six million people attended Mass. Seeing people from around the world, their faces and getting glimpses of how they lived, I saw that a good deal of the world lives in poverty. It gives you a greater empathy and sensitivity toward the needs of other people. That’s always in the back of my mind now. It enriched me both professionally and personally.”
Capturing memorable photographs amid massive crowds presented unique challenges. “The big challenge on the international trips was to show the pope in the country specifically, not to show a generic shot,” said Haring. “I didn’t want a shot of him smiling and waving in the popemobile. I wanted a better shot of him that said something about the country. Often it was through people who were in the photos.”
Haring’s childhood friends from St. Michael’s aren’t surprised by his success. “He was such a sweet and quiet guy, we all thought he would become a priest,” said Katie Allston. “That was due to the large Catholic family he came from. I later reached out to him to photograph my wedding. I enjoy telling people that my wedding photographer went on to become a papal photographer.”
Haring achieved recognition as an esteemed member of the Vatican press corps. But after adopting two girls, he and his wife, Ann, decided it was time to come home. “I deeply miss our friends, the photographic community, and of course the food,” he said. “But about a year after the adoption, we knew we wanted them to have the opportunity to be educated and to grow up in the United States.”
In his work for the Knights of Columbus, Haring works with the highest-level photographers to those just beginning their careers. He advises aspiring photojournalists to “Find opportunities where you are and engage in your community,” he said. “Don’t turn down work. Look for mentors, internships and try to connect with people. It’s an atypical career. It’s about getting to know people who can connect you and help you advance in the industry.”
Working for the Knights may not be as exhilarating as following the pope around the world, but he still gets excited for his own feature photo sessions. “I sure do,” said Haring. “I’m looking forward to some assignments right now.”
