As the world waits to learn who will succeed Pope Benedict XVI at the head of the Catholic Church, Eurovision, Radio Vaticana and other Vatican partners are poised to deliver live audio-visual coverage of every step in the historic process, offering comprehensive broadcast services along the way.

Working in partnership with EBU Member Vatican Radio (RV), the Vatican Television Centre, as well as the Vatican City State, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and the Holy See Press Office, Eurovision is ready to bring the planet’s 1.2 billion Catholics the news as it happens.

Following Joseph Ratzinger’s shock resignation on February 11, Eurovision, Radio Vaticana and its Vatican partners set up comprehensive facilities for broadcasters in choice positions around the Vatican, which continue to be in high demand daily.

These include TV and radio workspaces in the Vatican Media Centre and two locations for broadcasters on Piazza Pio XII and Piazza Pia-Largo Giovanni XXIII. Client and Member usage was intense on February 27 and 28, respectively Benedict XVI’s last public appearance as Pope and the day his eight-year papacy came to an end.

This month cardinals will meet in a secret conclave in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to choose the next leader of the Petrine Ministry. There are currently 117 cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote, 67 of whom appointed by Pope Benedict XVI.