Pope Francis funeral: Full TV coverage guide for Saturday

Australians will have no shortage of viewing options to farewell Pope Francis this Saturday, as most major networks roll out extensive coverage of the funeral service from the Vatican.

Most free-to-air networks will begin coverage from 5.00pm AEST, with live streaming also available through their various digital platforms.

Here’s a snapshot of who’s broadcasting what, and where to watch.

Seven:

The Seven Network’s 7NEWS will have comprehensive rolling coverageof Pope Francis’ funeral this Saturday, hosted by Michael Usher with 7NEWS Chief Reporter Chris Reason live from St Peter’s Square in Rome. 

From 5.00pm AEST, 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis will be live on Seven and 7plus as Pope Francis’ body is taken into St Peter’s Basilica and the dignitaries arrive for the funeral, including US President Donald Trump, Prince William and Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.

A special edition of 7NEWS live at 6.00pm will be broadcast in each state on Seven and 7plus, featuring the start of the funeral, as well as all the day’s other news from Australia and abroad. Coverage of the funeral will continue on 7two and 7plus from 6.00pm until 7.00pm.

Then, from 7.00pm, 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis returns to Seven and continues on 7plus, as the funeral finishes and Pope Francis’ coffin is taken to Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.

For the very latest news and updates, be watching 7NEWS and follow 7NEWS.com.au.

Broadcast times on Seven and 7Plus:

Comprehensive coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral live from 5.00pm AEST, Saturday 26 April

ABC:

The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be simulcast live across ABC NEWS channel, ABC iview, ABC Radio National, ABC NewsRadio, ABC Listen and ABC News website and app from 5:30pm AEST on Saturday 26 April.

Before the ceremony, Jeremy Fernandez will be joined by Scott Stephens (ABC Religion & Ethics Editor), Andrew West (Host, Religion & Ethics Report, ABC Radio National), Professor Clare Johnson (Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy), Noel Debien (ABC Radio National Religion Specialist) and Geraldine Doogue (Host, ABC Radio National) for their commentary and insights.

ABC correspondents are on the ground in Rome to cover events as they happen.

The Funeral Mass of Pope Francis on the ABC – Saturday 26 April from 5:30pm

Nine:

9 News: Pope Francis: The Final Farewell – 5:00pm AEST

Join the 9News team for comprehensive coverage of Pope Francis funeral live from St Peter’s Square in Rome

Note: Check local guides for exact times

Sky News:

The Funeral of Pope Francis – 5:00pm – 10:30pm AEST

Live coverage from the Vatican and Rome as a funeral mass and burial is held for Pope Francis.

Ten:

Network 10 has not yet announced plans for live coverage of the funeral, though reports are expected during the national 5:00pm bulletin, with possible extended content on YouTube and social media.

SBS:

At the time of publication, SBS has not announced any plans to cover the funeral live. However, like 10, viewers can expect comprehensive coverage during the weekend news bulletin from 6:30pm.

YouTube:

Pope Francis’ funeral will be livestreamed on the Vatican’s official YouTube channel on Saturday, April 26, starting at 6 p.m. AEST, with coverage available in multiple languages – HERE.

*This post updates

Check local guides closer to broadcast for exact times, updates, and any late schedule changes.