In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, the world’s eyes turned to Rome — and AP 360 was already in position. Operating from a prime location at the Agostiniani Convent overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, AP 360 set the standard for live global coverage during one of the most significant news moments in recent Vatican history.

Spanning 22 days, AP 360 provided 2,500 hours of live transmission for 46 different TV affiliates, managing a remarkable 400 accreditations in the process. Years of preparation led to non-stop coverage for over three weeks, from the announcement of the death of Pope Francis on April 21, to the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, and the reaction to the historic moment during the three days after his election.

A total of 15 live positions in Rome included a studio with prime views of St Peter’s Basilica for US network ABC and a spot on St Peter’s Square itself. A live position was also set up in Buenos Aires for reaction to Pope Francis’ death from his native Argentina.

The AP 360 team was ready for any broadcast need. “You, the AP, have helped us enormously, with everything: the lights, the cameras, the fibre, the WiFi, all of it. We couldn’t have done it without you. And you’re all really nice as well, you’re great to work with, you’re really good company,” said Matt Frei, Channel 4 News Presenter in the UK.

Stunning panoramic backdrops of the Vatican for prime-time coverage gave TV anchors the possibility to point out the first appearance of the newly elected pope on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, right over their shoulders.

For Univision, the collaboration with AP was a key factor in their seamless coverage. “Univision and AP have worked together for three decades on these kinds of events. With the AP we are in the right place at the right moment,” said María Antonieta Collins, Univision Senior International Correspondent, who was able to pint viewers to the white smoke emanating from the Sixtine Chapel that announced the election of a new pope. “We were on air at the exact right time because we were in the perfect place.”

Eva Peeters, a reporter for VTM Nieuws in Belgium, was also thrilled with the live position on St. Peter’s Square: “I like this position very much. That’s why I asked my colleagues at the foreign news desk to choose this one.” The position gave her the rare opportunity to report from among the crowds, offering an authentic and immersive view of the unfolding scene while the conclave was going on.

Danielle Dithurbide, International News Director for Televisa in Mexico, also praised the partnership: “We’ve been working with AP for this very moment for three years. It’s been a great experience. I will remember this moment and this experience forever.”

From major U.S. networks to pan-European broadcasters, clients praised AP 360 for delivering not just access, but excellence.

“It was a long and intense production period,” said Pun Watcharaporn, lead producer on the event, “but incredibly rewarding. Our goal with AP 360 was to deliver a product that not only met the highest technical standards but also allowed millions of viewers around the world to experience the historic events in Rome as if they were there themselves. Seeing everything come together in perfect broadcast quality made all the effort worth it.”

AP 360’s Rome deployment is a testament to smart planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to global storytelling when the world is watching.