Commemorating Francis: Chronicling ABC News' Special Feature on the People's Pontiff
ABC News Provides Comprehensive Coverage of Pope Francis' Passing and Funeral
In a historic moment, ABC News Live, America's leading streaming news channel, has announced that they will provide continuous coverage from April 22 to the funeral of Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Catholic Church.
The coverage began early on Monday, April 21, when 'Good Morning America' co-anchor George Stephanopoulos led special reports across ABC News and ABC News Live at 5:49 a.m. EDT, making ABC News the first network to break into a special report.
Since then, ABC News has been at the forefront of reporting on the life and death of Pope Francis. Reporters from ABC Audio newscasts, special reports, and the affiliate audio service have been providing updates, while ABC News Radio offered an extended special program moments after his death was confirmed.
ABC NewsOne, the affiliate news service of ABC News, has reporters in Rome covering the passing and funeral of the Pope. ABC Owned Television Stations will focus on local communities commemorating and celebrating the late Pope throughout the week.
The special coverage will include Pope Francis resting in state, the viewing in St. Peter's Basilica, and the funeral mass, titled 'Celebrating Francis: The People's Pope.' A one-hour primetime special titled 'Francis: The People's Pope - ABC News Special' will air on ABC on Tuesday, April 22.
A special half-hour streaming feature titled 'Francis: The People's Pope' will stream on Friday, April 25, ahead of Saturday's coverage of the funeral services. This feature will examine the legacy of Pope Francis, his life from childhood to his papacy, and the issues he challenged, including the longstanding cover-up of abuse in the Catholic Church.
'Start Here,' the daily news podcast from ABC News, will have daily updates from funeral and conclave proceedings. ABC News Digital will have comprehensive coverage, including a live blog, analysis of the papal conclave, and an in-depth analysis of Pope Francis' legacy.
ABC News will also cover the developments of the upcoming papal conclave and the installation of the new Pope. Notable personalities leading the coverage include David Muir, Deborah Roberts, James Longman, Terry Moran, Maggie Rulli, Ines de La Cuetara, Mike Marza, David Ono, Father Jim Martin, Father John Wauck, and Helen Alvaré.
ABC News Radio will provide live feeds and network coverage of the funeral, selection of a new pope, and global reactions. The coverage will start at 3:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter's Square.
The first broadcaster to spread the news of Pope Francis' death on Monday, April 21, 2025, was not explicitly stated in the search results provided. However, ABC News has proven to be a reliable and comprehensive source for this significant event.
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