The death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, has prompted significant changes to the programming of TV Globo, which has decided to dedicate extensive coverage to this momentous event. Confirmed by the Vatican in the early hours of Monday, April 21, 2025, the news has led to the cancellation of the popular sports program 'Globo Esporte' and the extension of the 'Jornal Hoje' broadcast.
In a statement, Globo announced that sports news would instead be incorporated into local news broadcasts throughout the day. The network also confirmed that the soap opera 'História de Amor' would not air on this day, as the focus shifts to the coverage of the Pope's passing.
GloboNews will feature special editions throughout the day, offering analyses, interviews, tributes, and reactions to the loss of the pontiff. The decision to reorganize the programming reflects the network's commitment to providing comprehensive news coverage during this significant moment in history.
Interestingly, Globo chose not to utilize the traditional on-call vignette to announce the Pope's death, which surprised some viewers who anticipated a more abrupt interruption of regular programming. Instead, journalist Marcelo Pereira, who was presenting the 'Hora Um' news program at the time, interrupted the weather forecast to deliver the news. “With permission, Scheuer, a very sad news just came in here for us, it’s even on G1: Pope Francis has died, a man of simple habits who fought to change the church,” he announced.
Pereira highlighted the legacy of the pontiff, noting, “He was the first Latin American pope and left a legacy of tolerance and dialogue, promoting important reforms, welcoming minorities, and prioritizing the poor.” He also referenced the Pope's appearance just a day prior in St. Peter's Square, despite his frail condition, to bless the faithful during Easter Sunday.
The Vatican confirmed the Pope's death at 2:35 AM (Brasilia time) on April 21, 2025, stating that he passed away in his apartment at the Santa Marta residence, where he had lived since his election in 2013. The cause of death is expected to be disclosed later in the day.
Pope Francis was known for his deep connections to soccer, famously declaring himself a supporter of the Argentine club San Lorenzo. His passion for the sport was evident, as he often welcomed sports delegations to the Vatican, where he maintained a personal collection of jerseys from various teams.
As a prominent figure in the world of soccer, the Pope's passing resonated within the sports community. He once remarked, “Football has the power to unite people, to create bridges and not walls,” emphasizing the sport's potential to foster connections across cultures.
His support for San Lorenzo was particularly notable, as the team won the Copa Libertadores title in 2014, just months after his election as head of the Catholic Church. The Argentine national team also made it a tradition to visit the Pope before each World Cup since 2014, further solidifying his ties to the sport.
The decision to cancel regular programming in favor of extensive coverage has been met with a mixture of understanding and surprise. Globo has adopted stricter criteria over the years for when to use the on-call vignette, typically reserved for urgent and unexpected news. This protocol was evident during the recent announcement, as the network was already airing a live broadcast when the news broke.
In previous instances, such as the announcement of Donald Trump's election in 2016, Globo employed the on-call vignette due to the nature of the programming at the time. However, in this case, given that a live news program was already in progress, the network opted for a more seamless transition to reporting on the Pope's death.
As the day progresses, viewers can expect a range of special reports and discussions focusing on the impact of Pope Francis's life and legacy. The network aims to honor his contributions to the Catholic Church and the broader world, reflecting on his commitment to social justice and dialogue.
In light of the Pope's passing, many celebrities and public figures have expressed their condolences. Notable personalities, including Luciano Huck, Tata Werneck, Fabio Porchat, and international stars like Whoopi Goldberg and Antonio Banderas, have lamented the loss of the pontiff, recognizing his influence and the void his absence will create.
The death of Pope Francis marks a significant moment not only for the Catholic Church but also for millions around the globe who admired his dedication to advocating for the marginalized and promoting peace. As tributes continue to pour in, the world reflects on the legacy of a leader who sought to unite rather than divide.
In summary, Globo's programming changes and extensive coverage reflect the profound impact of Pope Francis's life and death. The network's decision to prioritize this news highlights the pontiff's significance in both religious and secular spheres, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered and celebrated.
