Vatican News to provide global coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral

Published by [email protected] at April 25, 2025

Posted: Friday, April 25, 2025. 6:44 pm CST.

Pope Francis’ coffin at St Peter’s Basilica – Photo Credit: Vatican Media

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Vatican News is set to broadcast live coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square, followed by the procession through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he will be laid to rest. The event will be offered in 15 languages, including four sign languages, ensuring global accessibility.

The Solemn Requiem Mass, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 am Rome time (2:00 am Belize time) will be a moment of profound significance, reminiscent of the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005. This marks the first time in history that the transfer of a Pope’s mortal remains from the Vatican to another burial site will be broadcast globally.

Comprehensive Multilingual Coverage

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication will provide live radio and television commentary in 15 languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Polish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic, as well as American Sign Language (ASL), Italian, Spanish, and French sign language.

Television coverage, produced by the Vatican Television Center – Vatican Media, will feature aerial and ground footage of both St. Peter’s Square and the funeral procession route. Vatican News platforms, Vatican Radio, and L’Osservatore Romano will provide commentary and analysis in 56 languages across print, radio, TV, and social media.

Broadcast Channels and Viewing Options

The funeral will be accessible through multiple Vatican News platforms:

Vatican News website (vaticannews.va)
Vatican News YouTube channels (English and original sound-only channel)
Vatican Radio web radio in 11 languages
Shortwave broadcasts for Africa in English, French, and Portuguese
Live coverage on Facebook and Instagram in multiple languages

Dedicated Italian-Language Coverage

Italian-language commentary will be provided from three key positions—two in St. Peter’s Square and one outside the Basilica of St. Mary Major—with coverage beginning at 8:10 am (12:10 am Belize time) and transitioning to the main studio at 9:30 am (1:30 am Belize time), in preparation for the 10:00 am Mass (2:00 am Belize time).

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