On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the television landscape in Italy underwent a dramatic transformation as the election of the new Pope, Leo XIV, captivated viewers nationwide. The momentous event unfolded shortly after 6 PM when white smoke emerged from the Vatican, signaling the selection of the new pontiff. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American, was elected to lead the Catholic Church, and his first public appearance was marked by the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter's Square.
In response to this historic announcement, major television networks scrambled to adjust their programming. Rai 1, a flagship channel, aired a special edition of "Porta a Porta" dedicated to the Pope's election, effectively bumping popular shows like "Affari Tuoi" and the final episode of "Che Dio ci aiuti 8" from the schedule. This adjustment was mirrored on Canale 5, which replaced its planned programming with a special edition of "TG5" titled "The Pope's Embrace." Meanwhile, other channels like Rai 2 and Rai 3 maintained their original schedules with films and in-depth reports.
The ratings from the evening reflected the public's keen interest in the papal election. Rai 1's "Special Porta a Porta" attracted a significant audience, drawing in 3,252,000 viewers and achieving a 16.9% share. Canale 5's coverage, while less popular, still managed to capture 1,412,000 viewers with a 7.9% share. Notably, the evening's programming was not solely dominated by papal coverage; other shows also garnered substantial viewership.
On Rai 2, the film "Vicino all'orizzonte" entertained 1,065,000 viewers, achieving a 6.1% share. Italia 1's airing of "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" attracted 1,086,000 viewers, with a 7.6% share. Rai 3's "Momenti di gloria" had a smaller audience of 418,000 viewers, corresponding to a 2.4% share. Rete 4's "Dritto e Rovescio" managed to engage 992,000 viewers, while La7's "Piazzapulita" drew in 987,000 viewers, both achieving shares of 7.1% and 7%, respectively. A notable highlight of the evening was the Conference League semi-final match between Fiorentina and Betis, which captivated 1,989,000 viewers and achieved a remarkable 11.1% share on TV8.
As the evening progressed, the ratings for the access prime time slots reflected similar patterns. On Rai 1, the extraordinary edition of "TG1" attracted a staggering 7,566,000 viewers, translating to a 42.8% share, while Canale 5's "TG5" garnered 2,576,000 viewers with a 14.6% share. Other networks also reported varying results, with Rai 2's "TG2" reaching an audience of 654,000 viewers and a 3.1% share.
The changes in programming were not merely a reflection of the viewers' desires but also a testament to the impact of the papal election on Italian society. This event, steeped in tradition and significance, drew millions to their screens, eager to witness the historic moment unfold. The adjustments made by networks highlight the importance of live events in shaping television consumption patterns.
In the realm of entertainment, the cancellation of popular shows like "Affari Tuoi" and "Lo Show dei Record" was significant. These programs, hosted by well-known personalities like Stefano De Martino and Gerry Scotti, typically attract large audiences. However, the gravity of the papal election took precedence, illustrating the cultural weight such events hold in Italy.
Despite the disruption, some shows managed to maintain their viewership. For instance, "N.C.I.S. – Unità Anticrimine" on Italia 1 attracted 1,467,000 viewers with a 6.9% share, demonstrating that while live events dominate headlines, scripted shows still have a loyal audience.
The evening's television ratings serve as a snapshot of a nation captivated by its traditions and the significance of the papacy. The excitement surrounding Pope Leo XIV's election not only altered programming schedules but also engaged viewers in a shared experience that transcended typical entertainment.
In the aftermath of this significant event, it will be interesting to observe how the election of Pope Leo XIV influences future programming decisions and viewer habits. Will networks continue to prioritize live events in their schedules, or will they revert to their regular programming? Only time will tell, but for now, the night of May 8, 2025, stands as a testament to the power of live broadcasting and the enduring appeal of significant cultural moments.
