Pope Francis’ funeral, set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, has prompted major U.S. news outlets to deploy comprehensive coverage plans.
ABC News
- Coverage Details: ABC News will broadcast Celebrating Francis: The People’s Pope, starting at 3:30 a.m. ET, live from St. Peter’s Square. David Muir will anchor, joined by Deborah Roberts, chief international correspondent James Longman, senior national correspondent Terry Moran, foreign correspondent Maggie Rulli, and reporters Ines de La Cuetara, Mike Marza, and David Ono. Contributors include Father Jim Martin, Father John Wauck, and Helen Alvaré for theological and cultural insights.
- Platforms: Coverage will air on ABC’s 24/7 streaming channel, ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. A live blog on ABCNews.com will provide real-time updates from the Vatican.
- Additional Context: ABC has been reporting on-site, with correspondent Peter Reevell covering the 250,000 mourners who paid respects over three days. The network emphasizes Francis’ legacy as a reformist pope.
- Coverage Details: CBS News begins coverage at 3:45 a.m. ET, anchored by Norah O’Donnell and John Dickerson from a rooftop overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Correspondents Chris Livesay and Seth Doane will report, with analysis from Vatican expert Delia Gallagher, Father Anthony Figueiredo, and Crux editor John Allen. A replay of O’Donnell’s April 2024 interview with Pope Francis will air at midnight Arizona time (3 a.m. ET).
- Platforms: The funeral will air on CBS television stations, CBS News 24/7, and stream on the CBS News app and CBSNews.com, with a replay at 7 a.m. ET.
- Additional Context: CBS highlights the funeral’s blend of Catholic tradition and Francis’ request for simplicity, such as using a single wooden coffin.
- Coverage Details: NBC News will provide live coverage starting just before 4 a.m. ET, focusing on the funeral Mass and its historical significance. Specific anchors were not detailed in initial reports, but correspondents like Kelly Cobiella, who covered the Vatican’s preparations, are expected to contribute. Coverage will include insights into Vatican rituals and the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope.
- Platforms: The funeral will stream on Peacock and air on NBC platforms, including NBC News NOW and NBCNews.com.
- Additional Context: NBC has emphasized the global attendance, including U.S. President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the funeral’s role as a diplomatic stage.
- Coverage Details: Fox News starts coverage at 3 a.m. ET, anchored by Martha MacCallum from Rome. A special, The Funeral of Pope Francis, will begin at midnight Arizona time (3 a.m. ET), with Jonathan Savage reporting on-site. The network will cover the funeral’s geopolitical implications, given the presence of 130 foreign delegations.
- Platforms: Coverage will span Fox News Channel, Fox News Audio, Fox News Digital, and Fox Nation, with a livestream on FOXNews.com and Fox Nation from 3–7 a.m. ET. Fox News Radio will provide regular updates.
- Additional Context: Fox News has framed the event as a moment of global unity, with a focus on Francis’ impact on conservative Catholic audiences.
- Coverage Details: CNN’s special, The Funeral of Pope Francis, begins at 3 a.m. ET (9 a.m. CET), anchored by Anderson Cooper. Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb and chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward will provide analysis. Coverage will extend until 5 a.m. Arizona time (8 a.m. ET).
- Platforms: The funeral will air on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN.com, CNN apps, and Max, ensuring global reach.
- Additional Context: CNN has been covering Vatican logistics, including the sealing of Francis’ coffin on April 25, and will highlight his legacy as “The People’s Pope.”
- BBC News (International): As a global leader in news, BBC News will cover the funeral starting at 1 a.m. ET with Maryam Moshiri, transitioning to Reeta Chakrabarti at 4:30 a.m. ET for the Mass. Coverage will air on BBC World News and stream on BBC.com, focusing on the Vatican’s traditions and Francis’ global influence.
- The Associated Press (AP): AP is providing extensive written and photographic coverage, reporting on the 250,000 mourners and logistical details like the funeral’s simplified rites. While not a broadcast outlet, AP’s feeds will supply content to other networks.
- The New York Times: The Times is covering the funeral through in-depth journalism, with articles on Vatican preparations, the conclave, and Francis’ burial at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. It does not offer live broadcasts but will provide real-time updates on NYTimes.com.
- NPR (National Public Radio): NPR will offer radio coverage, including live updates and analysis from Vatican correspondent Sylvia Poggioli or other religion reporters. Streaming will be available on NPR.org and the NPR app, focusing on Francis’ social justice legacy.