EWTN Sets Live Gavel-to-Gavel Coverage Of Pope’s U.S. Visit

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, officials said Friday.

The coverage can be seen and heard on EWTN’s television, radio and Internet platforms.

The live coverage, airing April 15 through 20, will be provided by EWTN News Director Raymond Arroyo, who has anchored more papal events than anyone in the industry. He 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 Bush, in which he will discuss U.S. relations with the Holy See, the papal visit and Iraq. The special will air April 11 at 8 p.m. on the The World Over Live on all of EWTN’s media platforms.

In addition to live shows, 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; Pope Benedict XVI: My Vatican, a documentary on the life of Pope Benedict XVI; and Defenders of Faith in Word and Deed, a show where EWTN host Father Charles Connor demonstrates the many ways in which Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been a defender of the Faith.

Arroyo, who is also a New York Times best-selling author, will be joined in live coverage and commentary of the Pope’s trip by author Father Richard John Neuhaus and Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.