WASHINGTON—For the first time, the Vatican will be adding a U.S. domestic satellite distribution capacity for the two seasonal broadcasts of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday (April 10) and the Easter Sunday Mass (April 12), immediately followed by Pope Benedict's Message and Blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world).

This new coverage will allow much easier access for television networks and outlets in the United States to the satellite signal, which they can relay to their own audiences. The Pontifical Council for Social Communications will offer this service through Eurovision's World Feed distribution. The telecasts are free of charge for all broadcasters.

The costs for satellite distribution are covered by a grant from the Knights of Columbus — a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society with members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines.

U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley is scheduled to provide the English television commentary for the two celebrations. It marks his 25th year of providing such a service. Commentaries from the Vatican in Spanish and French will also be provided on the satellite audio channels.

Satellite parameters for U.S. telecasters are as follows: Galaxy 17 @ 91° W (Ku mpeg 2 4:2:0 66665 hsymb/s FEC 7/8 QPSK). For more information on technical parameters, please contact Eurovision's World Feed Desk at worldfeed@eurovision.net; tel. +41 22 717 2822; fax +41 22 747 4822.

For commentary positions in Vatican City, contact RAI Eurovision, at newsprod@rai.it; tel. +39 06 3317-1151 / 52; fax + 39 06 3317-0053.

All other Holy Week and Easter Triduum celebrations will be made available free of charge to Catholic broadcasters in Europe and North America through the Vatican Television Center's satellite coverage.

For all other inquiries, please contact Thaddeus Jones at the Pontifical Council for Communications. Email: telecast@pccs.va; tel. +39 06 698 91810; fax +39 06 698 91840. For the latest updates and information for broadcasters, visit www.pccs.va and click on the "Mondovisione" menu.

The schedule of Vatican worldwide telecasts for the Holy Week and Easter 2009 is attached.

Schedule in English  |  Schedule in Spanish

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