This year’s roster of traditional Holy Week television coverage from
the Vatican will include the beatification events for Pope John Paul II,
the Pontifical Council for Social Communications announced.
There will be three global broadcasts: the Way of the Cross at the
Colosseum on Good Friday, April 22; the April 24 Easter Sunday Mass
followed by Pope Benedict XVI’s “Urbi et Orbi” address from St. Peter’s
Square; and the Holy Mass and Beatification of the Servant of God Pope
John Paul II on May 1, also from St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican will use a U.S. domestic satellite distribution system
for its two worldwide broadcasts on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to
allow local television networks and outlets to pick up the broadcasts
with ease.
The pontifical council offers its service free of charge to
all broadcasters through Eurovision World Feed.
Satellite audio channels will provide television commentary in English, Spanish and French.