‘Pope TV’ to zero in on papal selection

IRONDALE, Ala. — A U.S.-based broadcasting operation is offering a different kind of news coverage for the election of a new pope.

Eternal Word Television Network isn’t just discussing Vatican politics and the U.S. church as the conclave convenes. It’s talking about how the new pope might affect worship services, and the need for prayer during the selection process.

The Roman Catholic media empire is based in suburban Birmingham, Ala.

Chief executive Michael Warsaw says the network has about 50 employees in Rome for the conclave, and it will broadcast extensive coverage of the papal election both on TV and its radio network, plus websites.

A researcher says surveys show about 5 million U.S. Catholics watch “Pope TV” at least once every six months. Its television programming is available in some 225 million households worldwide.