The real reason Pope Francis 'vowed' never to watch TV again

Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, devoted his life serving God and the Catholic Church.

One of the sacrifices he made during his life was giving up television for a very specific reason.

Pope Francis revealed in quite a candid way the reason behind his self-imposed television ban which lasted for nearly 35 years.

The head of the Catholic Church remembered the specific date which spurred him to shun television - 15 July 1990.

Pope Francis banned himself from watching television for almost 35 years (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images )

Recounting the jarring incident, Pope Francis said: “I was watching television in the lounge with my fellow priests.

“It was 15 July, 1990, and some scenes of an adult nature, to put it delicately, were being shown - something that was not good for the heart.”

Writing in his autobiography, published in March 2024, he reflected: “Nothing risqué, of course, but when I went back to my room, I said to myself, 'A priest cannot look at such things'.”

He added: “Only very occasionally do I allow myself to watch.”

Pope Francis listened to opera for entertainment and was known for living a humble life.

The Vatican announced on Monday morning (21 April), that Pope Francis, the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, had died.

Pope Francis' final words were an expression of gratitude to his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti (Vatican Pool / Contributor / Getty Images)

The previous day, Easter Sunday, the 88-year-old greeted those who gathered to see him at St Peter's Square, and read from the balcony overlooking the square.

He had suffered multiple health issues in recent years, and had reduced mobility in the last few months of his life.

In a statement announcing his death this morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell of the Vatican said: "At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church."

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, and was the first person to become the Pope that was born outside of Europe in more than 1000 years. He was elected into the major role in 2013, and his passions were rooted in raising awareness about poverty and inequality, as well as the climate crisis.

The Catholic Church's most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals, will wait 15 days before beginning the vote on who the next Pope should be.