EWTN To Provide Live Coverage of Benedict XVI’s Historic U.S. Visit

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will provide live coverage of every event in Pope Benedict XVI’s historic U.S. trip, from the time his plane lands until he departs the country.

Special live coverage, airing Tuesday, April 15 through Sunday, April 20, will be provided by EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo, who has anchored more papal events than anyone in the industry and who obtained the only English language interview in existence today with the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

As a precursor to the visit, Arroyo has obtained an exclusive interview with President George Bush in which he will discuss U.S. relations with the Holy See, the papal visit, Iraq, and much more. The special will air 8 p.m. April 11 on the “The World Over Live” on EWTN.

In addition to the live shows (details listed below), EWTN’s continuing coverage will include three specials:

“BENEDICTUS XVI: PAPA JOSEPH RATZINGER,” a documentary offering a close look at Cardinal Ratzinger in the period following the death of Pope John Paul II, and an analysis of what he brings to the table as the new Pope Benedict XVI. (Airing 8 p.m. April 12; 2 a.m. April 13; 11 p.m. April 15; and 8:30 p.m. April 20,)

“POPE BENEDICT XVI: MY VATICAN,” a documentary on the life of Pope Benedict XVI, featuring interviews before and after his papal election and a glimpse of his daily routine in the Vatican. (Airing 10 p.m. April 13; 2 p.m. April 15; 4 a.m. April 18; and 5 p.m. April 20.)

“DEFENDERS OF FAITH IN WORD AND DEED,” a show in which well-known EWTN Television Host Father Charles Connor demonstrates the many ways in which Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been an astounding defender of the Faith. (Airing 9 a.m. April 18; and 10:30 p.m. April 19.)

SPECIAL LIVE COVERAGE Arroyo will be joined in live coverage and commentary of the Pope’s trip by Father Richard John Neuhaus, editor and author; Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal columnist, author and speechwriter for President Reagan; and Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. Live coverage will be as follows: (All times Eastern)

Tuesday, April 15, 3:30 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI arrives at Andrews Air Force Base and is greeted by President and Mrs. Bush, local dignitaries of the Church, and the apostolic nuncio. (Encore 8 p.m. April 15, and 4 a.m. April 16.)

Wednesday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. Pope Benedict XVI is received by President and Mrs. Bush at a White House welcoming ceremony, followed by a private meeting between the President and the Pope, and the dignitaries of the two states. (Encore 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. April 16.)

Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI gathers with the bishops of the United States for a prayer service and address at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. (Encore 10:30 p.m. April 16, and 4 a.m. April 17.)

Thursday, April 17, 9:30 a.m. Pope Benedict XVI offers Mass at the new Nationals Park in Washington D.C. (Encore 1 p.m. April 17 and 12 a.m.)

Thursday, April 17, 4:30 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI will address hundreds of Catholic University heads and diocesan superintendents on the importance Catholic education at the Catholic University of America. (Encore 9 p.m. April 17, and 5 a.m. April 18.)

Thursday, April 17, 6:00 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI meets with representatives of various religions for a prayer service at the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington D.C. (Encore 10:30 p.m. April 17 and 6:30 a.m. April 18.)

Friday, April 18, 9:30 a.m. Arrival at JFK International Airport. (Encore 4:30 p.m. April 18, and 1 a.m. April 19.)

Friday, April 18, 10:30 a.m. Pope Benedict XVI will address the United Nations, after an early morning flight to New York. (Encore 2:30 p.m.and 8 p.m. April 18, and 2 a.m. April 19.)

Friday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. Prayer service with leaders from other Christian denominations at St. Joseph's, founded by German Catholics, in Manhattan. (Encore 10 p.m. April 18, and 3:30 a.m. April 19.)

Saturday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. Mass for priests, deacons and members of religious orders at St. Patrick¹s Cathedral in the heart of New York City. (Encore 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. April 20.)

Saturday, April 19, 4:00 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI meets with thousands of young people from around the country; the event includes a rally/prayer service and a speech from the Pope. (Encore 8 p.m. April 19, and 4 a.m. April 20.)

Sunday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. Pope Benedict XVI visits the former World Trade Center site, now known as Ground Zero in New York City. (Encore 11 a.m. April 20, and 1 a.m. April 21.)

Sunday, April 20, 2:00 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Holy Mass at Yankee Stadium in New York bringing his historic U.S. visit to a close. (Encore 10 p.m. April 20.)

Sunday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. Pope Benedict XVI departs. (Encore 2:30 a.m. April 21.)

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 27th year, is available in more than 140 million television households in 144 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.