Live rolling coverage, analysis and nostalgia

RTÉ is gearing up for a host of special broadcasts in the lead-up to the Pope’s visit.

The State broadcaster will provide live rolling coverage and analysis from presenters, including Mary Kennedy, right, of the Pope’s two-day visit. Special programmes will also be aired in the buildup, including Mary McAleese’s Modern Family, (RTÉ One, August 22) where the former President charts changes in the Irish family since the last papal visit. Meanwhile, The John Pauls (RTÉ One, September 10) catches up with the generation of Irish boys (and at least one girl) named after John Paul II after his 1979 visit.