Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV extended a heartfelt welcome to the journalists, employees, and families of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, urging them to anchor their mission in prayer. The Pope emphasized that prayer often unseen and misunderstood by the world is what gives true power and purpose to their daily work in spreading the Gospel.
Speaking to the assembled communicators in a warm, familial setting, Pope Leo expressed his delight at finally meeting the large and diverse community of Vatican media professionals.
“Little by little, I’m getting to know you… there are so many of you!” he said with a smile. “You work with passion to spread the words and actions of the Pope throughout the world. You do this daily, quietly and faithfully. But today I am glad to see you and your families gathered together as one.”
The meeting took place in the Vatican Gardens, near the historic Palazzina Leone XIII, the original site of Marconi’s radio station. The Pope noted that the location itself is a reminder of the Church’s long-standing engagement with communication, initiated under Pope Leo XIII.
Pope Leo XIV described the encounter as a “family meeting,” reflecting the very nature of the Church itself “a family of families.” He expressed joy at seeing the communicators united not just by their work, but by shared faith and fellowship.
“The Church,” he reminded, “is a living family. When we gather, work, and pray together, we make that family visible.”
Turning to the heart of his message, the Pope emphasized the vital role of prayer in the Church’s mission of communication.
“How important it is,” he said, “that our communication is accompanied by prayer! I would say that this makes all the difference. The world may not understand this but we do. We must never separate our professional mission from our spiritual one.”
Pope Leo explained that in a world driven by speed and information overload, prayer offers depth and direction. “When prayer accompanies communication, it transforms information into inspiration and truth into light,” he reflected.
The Pope also highlighted the diversity among the Dicastery’s staff journalists, technicians, translators, editors, and content creators from around the world all working together under one mission.
“As Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians: there are different gifts, but the same Spirit; different ministries, but the same Lord. Each of you brings something unique, yet all of you are united by one purpose to share the Good News of Christ.”
Pope Leo XIV commended the Dicastery’s collaborative efforts in building a strong communication network that connects the Holy See with the world. He praised their ability to “cast the net wide,” echoing the call of Christ to “put out into the deep.”
“It is above all a network of people,” he said, “each bringing their talents to the service of the Church and the world to share truth, foster understanding, and communicate always with love. In this network, no one is greater than the other; each role is a gift.”
He also encouraged the balance between dedication and joy, acknowledging the team’s tradition of gathering annually for a picnic. “That’s very good,” he smiled, “because along with work, there should be moments of relaxation and shared prayer.” This year, he noted, the group planned to continue their day in St. Peter’s Square with a collective prayer for peace.
Concluding the encounter, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude for the presence and service of all Vatican communicators.
“I bless you all with affection,” he said tenderly, “especially the children and those among your loved ones who are ill. May Our Lady assist you and protect your families.”
He then invited everyone parents and children alike to join him in praying the Our Father, a symbol of unity that transcends all languages and professions. “Now,” the Pope said softly, “with the little ones and the grown-ups, we pray together as Jesus taught us because we all know that God is our Father.”
Through his words and blessing, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the sacred vocation of communication not merely as a craft or profession, but as a mission grounded in faith, community, and above all, prayer.