In the wake of the passing of Pope Francis, the television programming landscape in Italy has undergone significant changes on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The Pope, who was 88 years old, died on Monday morning at 7:35 AM, prompting a nationwide response that has reshaped both Rai and Mediaset schedules.
Following the announcement of the Pope's death, Rai1 quickly adjusted its lineup, canceling popular shows such as 'Il Paradiso delle Signore' and 'La volta buona' to make way for special coverage and tributes. The network will air a special edition of the news at 2:00 PM, followed by 'A Sua Immagine' at 4:00 PM and a lengthy episode of 'La Vita in Diretta' hosted by Alberto Matano from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which will focus on the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
In addition to these changes, the game show 'L’Eredità', hosted by Marco Liorni, will also be absent from the schedule. This cancellation is part of a broader trend as many entertainment programs have been replaced by news segments reflecting on the Pope's contributions and the impact of his leadership during his 12 years as pontiff. The network's programming will be dedicated to commemorating the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known for his compassionate approach to global issues.
"The death of the Holy Father has left a profound impact on our nation, and we feel it is our duty to honor his memory through our programming," stated a Rai spokesperson. This sentiment is echoed across various media outlets, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Pope's influence on both religious and social fronts.
Meanwhile, Rai 3 has also made adjustments, suspending 'Un giorno in pretura' for a week and replacing it with the film 'Missione', further emphasizing the somber tone of the day.
As for Mediaset, the prime-time programming remains largely unaffected by the Pope's passing. Italia 1 will continue to air 'Le Iene Show', a program known for its investigative journalism and lively format, while Canale 5 will feature the drama 'Tutto quello che ho', a poignant story about family dynamics in the face of tragedy. Rete 4 will maintain its schedule with 'È sempre Cartabianca', a talk show that addresses contemporary issues with a diverse array of guests.
For movie enthusiasts, options abound with 'Jack Ryan – L’iniziazione' on 20, offering an action-packed thriller experience, while romantic comedy fans can enjoy 'Il diario di Bridget Jones' on TwentySeven. Cine 34 will provide laughs with 'Tre uomini e una gamba', a classic Italian film that continues to charm audiences.
Despite the upheaval in programming, some shows are expected to return to their usual slots soon. The traditional schedule for Rai 1 is anticipated to resume on Wednesday, April 23, allowing 'Il Paradiso delle Signore' to air again, although changes may still occur as the nation continues to mourn.
On a broader scale, the Italian government has declared a national mourning period lasting five days, culminating in the Pope's funeral scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square. This event is expected to draw significant attention, not just from the faithful but from people around the world reflecting on the Pope's legacy.
As the nation processes this loss, the adjustments in television programming reflect a collective sentiment of respect and remembrance for a leader who touched many lives. Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on programming changes and tributes as the situation evolves.
In conclusion, the passing of Pope Francis marks a pivotal moment in both religious and cultural contexts, influencing not only the hearts of the faithful but also the media landscape in Italy. As the country prepares for the final farewell, the impact of his teachings and actions will continue to resonate.
