Instead, all television networks quickly shifted gears to cover the unfolding events live from the Vatican—from the announcement of the Pope's passing, to reactions from around the globe, and talk shows that stretched late into the night, featuring numerous “experts.”
Today, we still don’t have precise data on how many viewers around the world tuned in to watch the live news and special broadcasts dedicated to this story—which, it must be said, is the news, the headline that will dominate TV programming (at least in Italy) throughout the entire week.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, television broadcasters around the world rapidly transformed their schedules to honor the life and legacy of the beloved pontiff. In Italy, the impact was especially profound, as major networks such as Rai and Mediaset suspended regular programming to deliver comprehensive coverage, heartfelt tributes, and religious commemorations.
The first channel to offer accurate, timely, and highly professional coverage was undoubtedly Tg5 on Canale 5 (Mediaset), anchored by Cesara Buonamici, with live reports from Vatican Square and commentary by Vatican correspondent Fabio Marchesi Ragona. They were the first to deliver comprehensive coverage while other news programs were still organizing their response.
Rai, Italy’s public broadcaster, reorganized its schedules across multiple channels especially in the afternoon. Special editions of TG1, TG2, and TG3 delivered live updates and retrospectives on Pope Francis’s pontificate. Rai1 aired religious-themed films, while Rai5 offered classical concerts and sacred music performances. Rai Cultura and Rai Storia enriched the day with in-depth documentaries reflecting on the Pope's humble origins, his reformist agenda, and global influence.
Mediaset followed suit with significant programming shifts. On Canale 5, Pomeriggio Cinque aired a special live edition with ongoing news coverage and tributes. The channel broadcast three consecutive Tg5 special editions at 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00, providing real-time updates and emotional testimonies from global religious and political leaders. In prime time, Mediaset presented the acclaimed miniseries "Call Me Francis. The Pope of the People", as well as the documentary "Pope Francis – So Normal It’s Extraordinary", simulcast across several Mediaset channels.
All Serie A, B, C, and Primavera football matches scheduled for Easter Monday were canceled in a rare nationwide gesture of respect. The Italian Football Federation announced plans to reschedule matches later in the week, underscoring the gravity of the Pope’s passing.
Radio stations also joined the collective mourning. Rai Radio1, Radio2, and Isoradio suspended entertainment programming in favor of solemn tributes. Vatican experts were invited to share insights, and listeners across Italy phoned in to express grief and share memories in heartfelt on-air moments.
Internationally, the shift in television content mirrored the response seen in Italy. Major broadcasters such as CNN, CBS News, BBC, TVE, and NHK offered continuous live coverage, while their digital platforms streamed special retrospectives and religious services. The Vatican’s official live stream was watched by millions globally.
In France, media coverage extended to the darkening of the Eiffel Tower, a symbolic gesture that was broadcast live. Catholic communities worldwide organized prayer vigils and memorial Masses, many of which were aired live or shared on streaming platforms and social media.
Anchors and correspondents around the world showed visible emotion, reporting from St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of mourners gathered in spontaneous tribute. Special reports examined Pope Francis’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, combat climate change, and reform the Catholic Church.
From North to South America, across Europe, Africa, and Asia, public and private broadcasters replaced scheduled entertainment with solemn memorials, religious ceremonies, and biographical documentaries. This rare global media convergence underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of Pope Francis’s life.
The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of an era — not only for the Catholic Church but for the global community he touched with his humility, advocacy, and compassion. The transformation of television schedules into platforms of remembrance highlights the depth of his impact, transcending borders, beliefs, and screens. As the world mourns, it also remembers — through stories, prayers, and shared silence.
Rai, Italy’s public broadcaster, reorganized its schedules across multiple channels especially in the afternoon. Special editions of TG1, TG2, and TG3 delivered live updates and retrospectives on Pope Francis’s pontificate. Rai1 aired religious-themed films, while Rai5 offered classical concerts and sacred music performances. Rai Cultura and Rai Storia enriched the day with in-depth documentaries reflecting on the Pope's humble origins, his reformist agenda, and global influence.
Mediaset followed suit with significant programming shifts. On Canale 5, Pomeriggio Cinque aired a special live edition with ongoing news coverage and tributes. The channel broadcast three consecutive Tg5 special editions at 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00, providing real-time updates and emotional testimonies from global religious and political leaders. In prime time, Mediaset presented the acclaimed miniseries "Call Me Francis. The Pope of the People", as well as the documentary "Pope Francis – So Normal It’s Extraordinary", simulcast across several Mediaset channels.
All Serie A, B, C, and Primavera football matches scheduled for Easter Monday were canceled in a rare nationwide gesture of respect. The Italian Football Federation announced plans to reschedule matches later in the week, underscoring the gravity of the Pope’s passing.
Radio stations also joined the collective mourning. Rai Radio1, Radio2, and Isoradio suspended entertainment programming in favor of solemn tributes. Vatican experts were invited to share insights, and listeners across Italy phoned in to express grief and share memories in heartfelt on-air moments.
Internationally, the shift in television content mirrored the response seen in Italy. Major broadcasters such as CNN, CBS News, BBC, TVE, and NHK offered continuous live coverage, while their digital platforms streamed special retrospectives and religious services. The Vatican’s official live stream was watched by millions globally.
In France, media coverage extended to the darkening of the Eiffel Tower, a symbolic gesture that was broadcast live. Catholic communities worldwide organized prayer vigils and memorial Masses, many of which were aired live or shared on streaming platforms and social media.
Anchors and correspondents around the world showed visible emotion, reporting from St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of mourners gathered in spontaneous tribute. Special reports examined Pope Francis’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, combat climate change, and reform the Catholic Church.
From North to South America, across Europe, Africa, and Asia, public and private broadcasters replaced scheduled entertainment with solemn memorials, religious ceremonies, and biographical documentaries. This rare global media convergence underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of Pope Francis’s life.
The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of an era — not only for the Catholic Church but for the global community he touched with his humility, advocacy, and compassion. The transformation of television schedules into platforms of remembrance highlights the depth of his impact, transcending borders, beliefs, and screens. As the world mourns, it also remembers — through stories, prayers, and shared silence.
