Pope to lead final public mass before farewell

Kris Dmytrenko

February 13, 2013

For one last time before retirement, Benedict XVI is ushering the Church into Lent. Today the Holy Father will preside at mass to mark Ash Wednesday, during which he will bless and distribute ashes to the penitent faithful. Unlike past years, the liturgy will not be held at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, southeast of the Vatican. Instead, the mass has been moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where a larger congregation will be able to pray with the German pontiff — perhaps for the final time, depending on whether Benedict will continue to attend public events after he steps down.

The Ash Wednesday mass will air live on S+L TV and online via our live streaming at 11:00 am ET / 8:00 am PT. The liturgy will repeat this evening at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT and once more at midnight ET / 9:00 pm PT. An English translation of the prayers can be found in the online booklet for the celebration.

To look back on the highlights of this pontificate, visit our special Benedict XVI website. Published below are the final televised events before the Pope's retirement. Broadcast times are subject to change.

General Audience

Wednesday, Feb. 13

Italian: 9:30 am ET / 6:30 am PT

Thursday, Feb. 14

English: 2:30 pm ET / 11:30 am PT

English repeat: 10:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm PT

Ash Wednesday Mass

Wednesday, Feb. 13

English LIVE: 11:00 am ET / 8:00 am PT

English repeat: 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT

English repeat: Midnight ET / 9:00 pm PT

French: 4:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm PT