The Catholic world waits with bated breath as the 267th Pope is about to be elected. Vatican Media is preparing for extensive coverage of every moment, providing in-depth reports and live broadcasts, according to a recent report from Vatican News.
The first major event in the Conclave will be the “Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice,” a Mass for the election of the Roman Pontiff. This liturgy will be held at 10:00 AM on May 7 in St. Peter’s Basilica and will be broadcast in 11 languages, including Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Polish, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese, as well as in Spanish Sign Language. Additionally, shortwave radio will broadcast the liturgy in English, French, and Portuguese to Africa.
Later that afternoon, at 4:30 PM, the cardinal electors will enter the Conclave and take their oaths before the “Extra omnes” – the solemn moment when the Sistine Chapel doors are closed to begin the voting process. This event will also be broadcast live in 11 languages, with sign language interpretation in English, Spanish, and Italian.
From the afternoon of May 7, the world will be watching for the telltale white or black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signifying the outcome of each vote. According to Vatican News, Vatican Radio and Vatican News will provide daily live coverage of the voting process via video on YouTube and audio in 7 languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, and Vietnamese.
Once the white smoke appears, indicating that a new Pope has been chosen, Vatican Media will expand its coverage from 7 to 12 languages, adding commentary in Arabic and Vietnamese, and sign language interpretation in Italian, French, and Spanish. Key moments leading up to the official announcement of the new Pope will be broadcast live on Facebook in 10 languages.
In addition, L’Osservatore Romano will publish a special edition immediately after the white smoke, distributed for free in St. Peter’s Square. This special issue will capture the historic moment and include reactions from the faithful worldwide.
According to Vatican News, the editorial coverage for the Conclave will span 56 languages, the same number as the languages covered by Vatican Radio, Vatican News, and L’Osservatore Romano. This comprehensive media strategy ensures that Catholics worldwide can stay connected to each phase of the Conclave as they await the announcement of the Church’s next leader.
