Opening Mass for Jubilee of Mercy Broadcast

The opening Mass for the Jubilee of Mercy and the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, held Dec. 8, was seen around the world in greater clarity than previously possible, thanks to an overhaul of the video equipment used by Vatican Television Centre (CTV) . CTV’s OB-8 OB truck has been fully fitted with 4K technology and features eight Sony HDC-4300 cameras, a 4K PWS-4400 server and a 4K MVS-7000X switcher. This creates an “immersive experience” which tries to capture, deliver and display images in a way that is as close to the performance of the human eye as possible.

Knights of Columbus donated the original broadcasting truck, and in October it provided a major $250,000 sponsorship to assist in the upgrade that allows for the 4K/Ultra HD broadcasting.

In correspondence to Msgr. Dario Viganò, prefect secretariat for Communications and director of CTV, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, “We (the Knights of Columbus) welcome the opportunity to build upon that partnership with you and CTV in solidarity with Pope Francis, to ensure that the Holy Father’s joyful proclamation of the Gospel reaches around the globe, utilizing the latest improvements in broadcasting technology.”

The Knights of Columbus also underwrote the restoration of the Holy Door in preparation for its last opening during the Jubilee Year 2000. In addition, a replica of the Holy Door is a part of the Saint John Paul II National Shrine’s permanent exhibit, at which a "Vigil of Mercy" was held on Dec. 7.