Pope Francis’ funeral: Streaming options and what to anticipate during the ceremony

The world is preparing to bid a poignant farewell this weekend to Pope Francis, whose papacy has been defined by a range of significant and transformative efforts aimed at revitalizing the Catholic Church. The pontiff’s initiatives have spanned critical issues, including the prevention of clerical abuse, the promotion of dialogue around climate change, migration, and the advancement of inclusion within the Church.

Pope Francis, age 88, passed away on Monday following a stroke that resulted in a coma and subsequent heart failure, as stated by the Vatican’s leading doctors. His health had long been a concern, particularly due to chronic lung disease, which led to the removal of a lung during his youth. In February, he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Notably, he spent 38 days hospitalised before being released to his apartment for recovery. His last public appearance occurred on Easter Sunday, where he addressed followers from his popemobile in St. Peter’s Square.

In the lead-up to his funeral, Pope Francis’ body, dressed in papal vestments, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time, which translates to early morning timings for American audiences: 4 a.m. ET, 3 a.m. CT, 2 a.m. MT, and 1 a.m. PT. The ceremony is set to occur in either St. Peter’s Square or inside the Basilica, contingent on prevailing weather conditions.

Major networks in the United States, including NBC, CBS, CNN, and ABC, will broadcast the funeral live. Several streaming platforms such as Peacock, Paramount+, Disney+, and Hulu will also provide coverage of the event. International viewers can follow the proceedings on various broadcasters, including the BBC in the UK and Globo News in Brazil. Additionally, the Vatican will offer live coverage through its news channel on YouTube.

The service will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and is expected to attract dignitaries from around the globe, including representatives from 170 nations and over 50 heads of state. Former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden are among notable attendees. The funeral will commence swiftly after the Pope’s body is sealed in its coffin, marking a transition from public viewing to the ceremony.

Following the Mass, Pope Francis’ body is set to be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, located approximately 2.5 miles from St. Peter’s Basilica. This site holds personal significance for the Pope, as he often prayed there before and after his journeys outside Rome, demonstrating the deeply personal and spiritual dimensions of his leadership and faith. Major media coverage is anticipated to conclude upon the commencement of the burial.

As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, the upcoming funeral serves as a moment for the faithful to honor the life and contributions of a leader whose impact has resonated across diverse global issues.

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