The upcoming Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis is set to captivate audiences worldwide, echoing the poignant memories of a similar event that occurred two decades ago—the funeral Mass of Pope John Paul II on April 8, 2005. This significant occasion not only commemorates the legacy of Pope Francis but also marks a groundbreaking moment in media history, as it will be the first time the transfer of a Pope's mortal remains from the Vatican to another burial site will be broadcast live across the globe.
The solemn proceedings are scheduled for Saturday, April 26, commencing at 10:00 AM Rome time. Vatican Radio and Vatican News will provide live coverage of the entire Requiem Mass, followed by the procession transporting the Pope's coffin from St. Peter's Square to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he will be interred in accordance with his final wishes.
To ensure that this historic event can be followed by the widest possible audience, the Dicastery for Communication, the parent organization of Vatican News, will offer live radio and television commentary in 15 languages. These languages include English, Italian, Spanish, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Portuguese, German, Polish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic. Additionally, coverage will incorporate four sign languages: American Sign Language (ASL), Italian, Spanish, and French.
The live television broadcast, produced by the Vatican Television Center – Vatican Media, will feature aerial and ground footage capturing both St. Peter’s Square and the entire procession route to the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
In total, multimedia coverage—including print, radio, television, and social media commentary—will be provided in 56 languages. This extensive coverage will be available across various platforms, including Vatican News, Vatican Radio, and L’Osservatore Romano.
Here are the details on how to tune in to the live broadcast of the Requiem Mass on April 26:
Vatican News website: Visit www.vaticannews.va for video coverage (click on the Vatican Media Live-YouTube tile) or audio only (click on the web radio speaker icon below the main menu). Vatican News App: Available on Google Play and iTunes. Vatican News YouTube channels: Access the English channel and the Original sound only channel. Vatican Radio: Listen to web radio in 11 languages using the Radio Vatican App (available on Google Play and iTunes). Shortwave broadcasts: Available in English, French, and Portuguese for audiences in Africa. Live coverage on Facebook: Follow along in Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. Instagram Live: Coverage will also be provided in Italian, Portuguese, and German.For those seeking Italian-language commentary, three commentary positions will be active: two located in St. Peter’s Square and one outside the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Live coverage will commence around 8:10 AM from the Charlamagne Wing, transitioning to the main studio for the Requiem Mass at 10:00 AM. Throughout the day, the St. Mary Major broadcast position will share live prayers and coverage of the faithful's participation.
Italian-language broadcast frequencies include:
103.8 FM in the city of Rome 105 FM for Rome and surrounding areas DAB+ digital radio (more info at www.digitalradio.it) TV channel 733 in the Rome area Eutelsat satellite coverageThis historic Requiem Mass not only honors the life and service of Pope Francis but also represents a remarkable moment in the intersection of faith and modern media, allowing millions around the globe to partake in a significant farewell.
