Pope was born in Amersfoort, South Africa, where his parents, Lithuanian Jewish immigrants, were running a hotel.

In July 1960 Pope was sacked by the new Editor of the Daily Mail, William Hardcastle and following a job offer from Max Corre, the editor-in-chief of Paris Presse, he went to work in Paris to bring the British sense of tabloid style to a floundering French newspaper.

While in Paris he introduced Christian Millau to Henri Gault, a partnership that culminated in nouvelle cuisine and Le Nouveau Guide Gault-Millau.

He turned to Lord Beaverbrook who offered him a post back on the Evening Standard where Charles Wintour was now the Editor.

Pope remained at the Standard for the rest of his career, working in various roles as a Features Editor and as the creator of key promotional events.