At noon on Friday, WLAE-TV will air a live broadcast of Pope Francis delivering a rare and extraordinary “urbi et orbi” apostolic blessing from an empty St. Peter's Square.
WLAE-TV can be seen on COX Cable Channel 14 or 1014, Charter/Spectrum Cable on Channel 11 or 711, AT&T, and DISH on Channel 32, Comcast Cable on Channel 1032 and RTC Telecom on Channel 2.
Last Sunday, the Holy Father made a surprise announcement when he said, “This Friday (March 27) …, I will preside over a moment of prayer outside of St. Peter's Basilica with the square empty. As now, I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the media.” The papal “urbi et orbi” blessing is usually reserved for Christmas, Easter, and when a new pope is elected as his first blessing for the world. Reuters reported, “The change in tradition reflects the significance of the pandemic.” Following the Liturgy of the Word, as well as adoration and benediction with the Blessed Sacrament, Pope Francis will bestow a special Blessing and Plenary Indulgence on those who “participate spiritually” through the media’s live event. An indulgence is the forgiveness of sins and the remission of punishment.
Ron Yager, President of WLAE-TV, said, “In these uncertain times, WLAE is pleased to bring the hopeful message from Pope Francis to people of all faiths in the New Orleans area. For over 36 years, WLAE has produced and aired programming giving our viewers comfort and strength through hurricanes, floods, and the largest marine oil spill in history. Once again WLAE will do its part to educate, inform and inspire our television audience of all ages.”
According to Reuters, the Holy Father stated, “We want to respond to the pandemic of the virus with the universality of prayer, of compassion, of tenderness. Let’s remain united.” The Pope also requested Christians around the world say the “Our Father” prayer at noon on Friday. Pope Francis asked people to pray for the lonely, the elderly, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, government authorities and the police. The Pope is expected to preside from the platform at the top of the steps of St Peter’s Basilica. The WLAE broadcast of the Pope’s live blessing is in partnership with Boston-based Catholic TV, America’s Catholic Television Network.
WLAE, a public television station, was founded by Archbishop Philip Hannan in 1982, and today is guided by the Willwoods Community, a non-profit committed to ministering to the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and surrounding areas.