It can now be revealed that a K-array Firenze system was deployed for the recent funeral of Pope Francis, in St Peter’s Square, Rome, Italy, on April 26, as well as the proclamation of “Habemus Papam” and the subsequent inauguration events of the new Pope Leo XIV on May 18. Each event had an estimated live participation of between 60,000 and 150,000 people, as well as a global TV audience of tens of millions.
Event technology specialists, Agorà originally installed the K-array system for two months of historic Vatican City events for the 2025 “Jubilee of Hope”, a special Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. But his unexpected death, and then the inauguration of the new Pope, meant the system was redeployed for these major events.
In the original tender notice, the Vatican had requested a visually discreet solution for both the support structures and the audio system, indicating the K-array Firenze KH7 loudspeaker. The installation served two main areas.
Zone 1 included Via della Conciliazione, Piazza Pia, Piazza Pio XII and part of Lungotevere Castello, with a total area of approximately 28,000sqm and a maximum length of 700m. In this area, 12 towers were installed, approximately 10m high, and each equipped with five K-array KH7 speakers and the related K-array KS7 subwoofers.
Zone 2 included Via di Porta Angelica and Piazza Risorgimento, with a total area of approximately 18,000sqm and a maximum length of 300m. Here, four towers were installed, also approximately 10m high, with five KH7 and the related KS7 subwoofers.
KH7 and KS7 were powered by Kommander KA208+ amplifiers, controlled through a double fibre optic network (primary and secondary), used to simultaneously transport audio, video and control signals. In total, the system consisted of 80 KH7, 40 KS7 and 65 Kommander KA208+ amplifiers from K-array.
