Papal Ceremonies for Christmas 2009 and World Day of Peace 2010

19 Oct 2009

PRESS RELEASE
19 October 2009

Papal Ceremonies for Christmas 2009 and World Day of Peace 2010

The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has outlined the following broadcasting arrangements regarding the Papal ceremonies for Christmas 2009 and World Day of Peace 2010.

Date
UTC/GMT Time
Broadcast
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Christmas Eve
21.00 – 23.00
Midnight Mass presided over by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica
Friday, 25 December 2009
Christmas Day
11.00 – 11.45
Christmas Message and Blessing “Urbi et Orbi” of
Pope Benedict XVI from St. Peter’s Square
Friday, 1 January 2010
New Year’s Day
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
World Day of Peace
09.00 – 10.45
Mass presided over by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI in
St. Peter’s Basilica on the occasion of the 43rd World
Day of Peace

Satellite Distribution

Eurovision World Feed – free worldwide access for all broadcasters
Africa: Atlantic Bird 3 @ 355° E
Americas: NSS806 @ 319.5° E
Asia: Asiasat 2 @ 100.5° E
Europe: Eutelsat W3A @ 7° E
US Domestic: Galaxy 17 @ 91° W (only for 24-25/12)

Vatican Television Center (CTV)
Americas: Telstar 12 @ 15° W
Europe: Eutelsat Hotbird 8 @ 13° E

Television commentaries from the Vatican in English, Spanish and French will be offered on the satellite audio channels. Commentary in other languages, yet to be determined, will be available via ISDN from Vatican Radio. Distribution by ISDN is limited and may be requested from the International Relations Office of Vatican Radio ([email protected]) which will provide them on a first come, first served basis. Further details will be posted when available on www.pccs.it/tj/telecasts.htm.

Details concerning the various satellites and frequencies will be posted on the Pontifical Council for Social Communications’ website (www.pccs.it/tj/telecasts.htm), in addition to texts and background information for television producers and commentators. The broadcast times (Rome local time) are those currently scheduled and, in the remote case there were to be any variations, the details will be posted online as soon as possible. For those unable to receive the broadcasts through the above service providers, alternative satellite reception possibilities can be explored (send email to: [email protected]).

Contacts

Eurovision World Feed Desk (Sara Alonso)
Tel: +41 22 717 2822; fax: +41 22 747 4822
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.eurovision.net/net/content/worldfeeds.php

Television commentary positions available in Vatican City:
RAI Eurovision (Lucia Colafrancesco)
Tel: +39 06 3317-1151 / 52; fax: +39 06 3317-0053
Email: [email protected]

Television commentary in other languages from Vatican Radio:
International Relations Office, Vatican Radio
Tel: +39 06 698 83945
Email: [email protected]

All other inquiries:
Pontifical Council for Social Communications (Thaddeus Jones)
Tel: +39 06 698 91810; fax: +39 06 698 91840
Email: [email protected] ; Web: www.pccs.it/tj/telecasts.htm

Further information
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 087 233 7797