Detroit – For the past 13 years, David Crumm has compiled a weighty journalistic work: the obituary of Pope John Paul II.
On April 3, the obituary article, co-written with Patricia Montemurri, was seen by countless readers of Knight Ridder news publications.
Crumm, 49, is a 1973 graduate of Goodrich High School, and a religion writer for the Detroit Free Press.
The last few days have been especially busy for Crumm and his fellow journalists.
On Saturday, just an hour after John Paul’s death, Crumm visited several parishes across Wayne County, he said in his April 3 column.
He’s spoken with parishioners, non-Catholics, a Muslim activist, and Detroit Cardinal Adam Maida, among others.
Amid a flurry of calls, e-mails, and visits, Crumm took time Wednesday’following an unscheduled meeting’to discuss his papal encounters.
Crumm is calm, sincere.
And sometimes, overwhelmed.
As people assemble virtually en masse before televisions, computers, and newspapers to experience the events of the Vatican, Crumm feels his responsibility deeply.
‘This is one of those monumental events where journalists have not only an opportunity, but a great responsibility to help readers understand these huge events that are unfolding,? he said.
Crumm has written for 30 years, freelancing at The Flint Journal in college, at the Oakland Press, and Knight Ridder’s Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky. before coming to the Detroit Free Press in 1983.
‘I’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, but I often wake up in the morning nervous. Am I doing the right thing? Am I talking to the right people??
Anxiety keeps him sharp, he says, as he tries to help readers understand recent religious events and their impact on the world.
In a series of encounters with the late pope from 1987 to 2002, Crumm witnessed Joh Paul’s concern for individuals, ‘not just for issues.?
A lead reporter for the Detroit Free Press during the pope’s 1987 North American tour, Crumm traveled with the pope two weeks.
‘In his prime he was so vigorous and so eager to be with people,? said Crumm. ‘He had such obvious compassion for the people he met.?
Later, he made three treks to Rome, covering Vatican events affecting the American Catholic Church.
The writer has been in audiences with the pope, both large and small, although Crumm is clear on the fact he never conducted a personal interview with the pontiff.
‘To my knowledge, only one American news reporter has had a one-on-one interview with the pope,? said Crumm. ‘you just don’t ever get to interview him.?
Following removal of John Paul’s abdominal tumor in 1992, and falls that affected an arm and leg, Crumm began compiling the pope’s obituary, as journalists often do for well-known figures who are elderly or have experienced life-threatening situations.
In 1992, Crumm followed the pope in slightly different surroundings at World Youth Day in Toronto.
‘We camped in this field way out, and a huge torrential rainstorm swept through. All of us were drenched to the bone,? said Crumm. ‘I was out there with hundreds of teenagers from Michigan, and because of the rain, snakes, and frogs, and field mice were all over. But it was very inspirational.?
The son of a United Methodist minister, Crumm grew up in southeast Michigan, as well as Indiana, New York, and New Jersey.
After high school, he studied comparative literature and writing at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, returning in 2002 to complete graduate work in world cultures and religions.
He and his family still attend a United Methodist church in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Admittedly human, Crumm keeps personal religious beliefs and opinions in check through a ‘toolbox? of techniques, ensuring articles are fair, accurate, and balanced.
Religion is a complicated arena for a writer, he says, comparing his work to writing political articles in America ‘if there were 200 political parties.?
During a time when media is cutting back staff, Crumm is impressed the pope’s death is deemed important enough to cover, although reports may be occasionally confusing or imbalanced.
For some reporters, following John Paul’s papacy and death would be an unparalleled opportunity.
‘I consider it a real honor and privilege,? said Crumm, a firm believer that careful preparation, education, and devotion to one’s craft leads to achievement. ‘I am thankful every single day I’m able to do the work I can do.?