Vatican City will host the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, a ceremony expected to draw global attention.
More than 22,000 mourners have already paid their respects to the 88-year-old former pontiff, whose body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday.
Benedict, who passed away on Easter Monday, was often referred to as the “people’s pope” for his advocacy for the poor and marginalised, and his rejection of many traditional papal luxuries.
The funeral will mark the first such ceremony for an incumbent pope since the passing of John Paul II in 2005, which was extensively covered by major news outlets including ITV, Sky News, and the BBC.
Similar coverage is anticipated for Benedict’s funeral. Here is a rundown to what is happening and how to watch the Pope’s funeral.
What time will the funeral begin?
The service in St Peter’s Square is set to begin at 9am UK time on Saturday (April 26). Pope Francis will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend the funeral, as well as other world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Who is covering the service?
On BBC One, newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti will present the broadcaster’s coverage, with a BBC News special beginning at 8.30am on Saturday and scheduled to continue until 12.30pm.
Sky News presenter Anna Botting will host a live from Rome, with commentary from the former governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich.
The broadcast begins at 7am and will last until 1pm, with Sky News Europe correspondent Adam Parsons live from St Peter’s Square, and specialist correspondent Lisa Holland broadcasting from the Via della Conciliazione, the main boulevard leading to the square.
The Vatican’s YouTube channel will broadcast the funeral for the faithful around the world.
It is currently airing live footage of mourners paying tribute at the basilica.
ITV said it will have a live stream on its online platform ITVX during the day.
