Pope Francis’s funeral takes place tomorrow in Vatican City. Here’s how to watch the pope’s final send-off from South Africa.
What time is Pope Francis’s funeral?
The funeral begins at 10:00 South African time tomorrow, 26 April.
Although the late pope requested a simpler service than the opulent ones of his predecessors, his funeral service will not be short. According to the BBC, the order of service booklet (containing the mass in English, Italian and Latin) is 87 pages long.
In a break with tradition, the pope will be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. However, Pope Francis’s funeral will follow custom and take place in Vatican City.
Tens of thousands of mourners will gather in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. If the weather is fine, the Pope’s funeral will happen outdoors in the square. It will move into the grand St Peter’s Basilica in case of poor weather.
Leaders from around the world will attend the service. That includes 50 heads of state and ten reigning monarchs. Some names include US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Javier Milei, president of the late pope’s native Argentina.
Which channels will broadcast the funeral in South Africa?
For those of us unable to fly to the Vatican, Pope Francis’s funeral will be broadcast live around the world, including in South Africa.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today, SABC confirmed it would broadcast the pope’s funeral live on TV, radio and its online platforms.
Newzroom Afrika also confirmed on Friday that it will cover the service. Iman Rappetti will co-anchor the broadcast with various experts to explain the ceremony. Having brought South Africans live coverage from the Vatican this week, eNCA is also likely to broadcast the service.
Furthermore, South Africans can watch Pope Francis’s funeral service on YouTube. The Catholic Church’s Vatican News will cover the proceedings on its YouTube channel.
Will you watch the funeral of Pope Francis?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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