In a significant shift in programming, German broadcasters ARD and ZDF have made extensive changes to their schedules following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. The news of the Pope's passing has led to a flurry of coverage across various media outlets, highlighting his impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
The ARD network has planned a special broadcast to honor the Pope. Following the main edition of the "Tagesschau" at 8:00 PM, viewers can expect a 20-minute segment titled "Brennpunkt" from Bayerischer Rundfunk, moderated by Andreas Bachmann. This program will delve into various aspects of Pope Francis's legacy, including how his home country of Argentina views his tenure, the messages he leaves behind, and what the future holds for the Vatican.
After the "NDR-Tatort: Im Wahn" airing at 8:35 PM, the "Tagesthemen" will follow at 10:05 PM with an extended edition, allowing for a deeper discussion on the implications of the Pope's death. At 10:30 PM, Das Erste will present a 30-minute obituary titled "Ein Papst für die Armen" (A Pope for the Poor), which is already available in a longer format on the ARD Mediathek for those who wish to explore his life in more detail. The evening will conclude with the films "Mord auf Shetland - Das Familiengeheimnis" and "The Mule," starting at 11:00 PM.
Meanwhile, ZDF has also adjusted its lineup in response to the tragic news. Starting at 5:30 PM, the network will air a 45-minute portrait titled "Papst Franziskus - Ein Leben" (Pope Francis - A Life), which explores the Pope's journey and contributions to the Catholic Church. Following the regular "heute" news edition at 7:00 PM, ZDF will present a special segment titled "ZDF spezial: Trauer um Papst Franziskus" at 7:20 PM, providing viewers with insights into the global reaction to his death. The evening will culminate with the "heute journal" at 9:45 PM, summarizing the day's events and reactions.
Aside from the coverage of Pope Francis's death, the Easter holiday has brought about other programming changes that viewers should note. Fans of the popular series "Sturm der Liebe" will need to exercise patience as the show is temporarily removed from the ARD schedule during the holiday period. The series was already taken off the air on April 9, 2025, and has not aired since. On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the beloved romantic drama was replaced by the biblical film "Die zehn Gebote" (The Ten Commandments), which began airing at 2:30 PM. On Easter Monday, viewers will again be without "Sturm der Liebe," as the ARD has scheduled the film "30 Karat Liebe" (30 Carat Love) to air after the "Tagesschau" at 2:40 PM.
Additionally, the ARD will feature the crime drama "Tatort: Im Wahn" at 8:15 PM, providing fans of the genre with a compelling story to enjoy during the holiday. Despite the absence of their favorite series, viewers can look forward to a variety of programming that reflects the significance of the moment and the cultural impact of Pope Francis.
The adjustments in programming reflect the networks' commitment to honoring the legacy of Pope Francis while also accommodating the viewing preferences of their audiences during the Easter holiday. As the world reflects on the Pope's contributions and the future of the Catholic Church, these broadcasts will serve as a means to process the news and celebrate his life.
In the wake of Pope Francis's death, many are left pondering the future direction of the Catholic Church. Questions surrounding potential successors and the impact of his teachings will undoubtedly dominate discussions in the coming weeks. Viewers are encouraged to tune in to the special broadcasts on ARD and ZDF to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Pope's legacy and the sentiments shared by people around the globe.
As the television landscape adjusts to these changes, it is evident that the influence of Pope Francis extends beyond religious circles, resonating with people from all walks of life. His commitment to social justice, compassion for the marginalized, and calls for environmental stewardship have left an indelible mark on society.
As viewers navigate through this period of reflection and change, both ARD and ZDF are poised to provide thorough coverage that not only honors Pope Francis but also engages the audience in meaningful conversations about faith, leadership, and the future of the Catholic Church.
