The Pope at Vatican Radio: A Symbolic Visit

The high antennas of Santa Maria di Galeria (northwest of Rome) were particularly honored on this June 19, 2025, and for good reason: it had been 34 years since a pope had visited the shortwave transmission system that allows the voice of the Supreme Pontiff to be heard across the seas and in regions still untouched by the digital revolution.

The new Pope fondly recalled how, during his years of mission in Latin America and Africa, Vatican Radio's shortwave transmissions played an invaluable role. Still largely unregulated at the time, they escaped any censorship or blocking by governments, allowing Vatican Radio to broadcast in countries where press and airwave freedom were severely restricted.

This visit takes on particular significance given that in 2016, Pope Francis declared himself in favor of a gradual elimination of shortwave broadcasting services. This decision—which sparked concern among several African episcopates—was part of a vast process of reforming Vatican communications that began in 2012. While shortwave transmissions have not yet completely ceased, the plan to abandon them remains, at least on paper.

This approach, officially motivated by a desire for rationalization, had aroused reservations, notably from Fr. Federico Lombardi, a Jesuit who was for many years director of the Holy See Press Office, Vatican Radio, and the Vatican Television Production Center. At his express request, shortwave broadcasts had been maintained, due to their importance for the evangelizing mission.

But in 2016, the logic of reform prevailed, leading to a reorganization of the Vatican media, affecting L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican Television Center, Vatican Radio, and all communications departments. This growing bureaucratization has often been perceived as prioritizing efficiency to the detriment of the spiritual mission.

The June 19 visit may have been part of a rebalancing plan. In this way, Leo XIV has chosen to reinvest in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, once its renovation was completed, and to revive the tradition of summer stays at Castel Gandolfo, the historic residence of the popes, abandoned by his predecessor.