Vatican City – On Thursday, 19 June 2025, Pope Leo XIV paid a visit to the Vatican Radio Shortwave Transmission Centre, located in the extraterritorial zone of Santa Maria di Galeria, north of Rome.
Welcomed by staff from the Dicastery for Communication, the Holy Father spent considerable time with the Centre’s technicians and operators, sharing casual conversation and taking part in a small reception to mark the anniversary of his priestly ordination. Pope Leo XIV made a point of visiting the facility’s symbolic locations: the historic transmitter hall, designed by the famed architect Pier Luigi Nervi, and the control room, from which Vatican Radio’s shortwave transmissions are still broadcast across the globe.
During the visit, the Pope took a particular interest in the antenna system and the complex digital disaster recovery set-up—vital for ensuring the continuity of service in emergency situations. He repeatedly emphasised the missionary value of communication, expressing deep gratitude and recalling how Vatican Radio’s shortwaves had been a lifeline during his years in Latin America and Africa: “They reached remote places where no other voice could get through.” On the sidelines of the visit, the Pope was also briefed on ongoing development plans for the Santa Maria di Galeria zone, recognised as extraterritorial since 1951 under agreements between the Holy See and the Italian Government. In particular, he reviewed the agrivoltaic project currently under study in line with the Motu Proprio Fratello Sole. The goal is to build a solar-energy system that would not only power the Radio Centre but significantly contribute to the energy self-sufficiency of Vatican City State, as part of a broader integral ecological transition.
The Santa Maria di Galeria Radio Centre was inaugurated by Pope Pius XII in 1957, and it remains a symbolic pillar of the Church’s global communication mission, especially in regions where access to information—and the sacraments—is most difficult.
The Pope is Surrounded by Dangerous Vultures
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV gave a short statement to TG1, marking his first televised comment to an Italian outlet since his election. While extremely brief, the interview attracted attention for its context: only days earlier, journalist Ignazio Ingrao had attempted to approach the Pope as he left Castel Gandolfo, only to be rather rudely dismissed. This time, however, Ingrao had coordinated with Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, currently head of the Vatican Gendarmerie—a figure already criticised for his handling of security and for a number of controversial episodesevoking the murky era of Domenico Giani, whose protégé he is, though he harshly denounced Giani to advance his own career.
Under Broccoletti, unauthorised wiretaps, pressures on prelates and journalists, and an internal management style that favours cronyism and nepotism over transparency and competence have continued. These dynamics—long affecting Vatican institutions where laymen hold power—raise serious questions about the Pope’s protection and the credibility of Vatican security and intelligence services. These individuals are more concerned with their own gain than with the Church’s mission. As for Ingrao, lacking in competence, he can only secure his place through this exchange of favours. Consider his notorious interview with Enzo Fortunato, where he confused a forearm with a calf. That interview earned Ingrao preferential treatment, and in return, Fortunato enjoyed total media silence about why he was ousted from the Vatican Basilica’s communication office. Likewise, Mauro Gambetti has benefited from RAI’s silence on the increasingly problematic transformation of St Peter’s Basilica into a venue for events, centred on money and power.
This so-called “exclusive” interview with Pope Leo on television ensures Ingrao’s continued silence about Broccoletti’s misconduct as head of the Vatican Gendarmerie. Have you read any critical coverage from Ingrao about the scandalous video projection against bullfighting on the Apostolic Palace façade? Who was responsible? Broccoletti, who failed to challenge the “Vaticano” public security unit. And yet, during the Pope’s visit, great efforts were made to arrange a photo op with those very officers—the same ones who did nothing to prevent anonymous individuals from projecting enormous videos and blaring audio condemning the Pope on the Apostolic Palace. Ingrao said nothing. Now, after this interview, you understand why.
Despite the traps and the rather unsubtle efforts to manipulate him, Pope Leo XIV once again appeared alert, composed, and fully aware of the moment the Church is facing. One factor in this steadiness is undoubtedly his long-standing relationship with his personal secretary—a discreet yet decisive figure who supports him with genuine respect, deep loyalty, and a bond that transcends formal roles, built on true friendship and mutual esteem. Thanks to this relationship, built over time, the Pope receives prudent advice, untainted by ulterior motives or external interference. The same cannot be said for those now emerging from the shadows of the previous pontificate, attempting to rebrand themselves as key interpreters of the ecclesial moment or “indispensable” advisors. These are individuals still wounded by the past, now returning to seek favours, appointments, visibility, or even just the Pope’s ear. But with Leo XIV, such efforts are doomed to fail. On the contrary, they serve only to expose to the Pope the true nature of certain factions more interested in entrenching their influence than in serving the good of the Church.
In his brief TV remarks to TG1, Pope Leo XIV chose to speak of peace, but also sent a message that was subtle but clear: the path begun at Santa Maria di Galeria will not be easy. The Pope hinted that the work is far from over. More than once, he said “Let’s hope”. The challenges are not just financial; they also concern the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed solutions. His cautious tone is well-founded: those working on the ground confirm technical flaws and management issues requiring serious, ongoing reflection.
Finally—and not insignificantly—some questions must be asked: why did Leo XIV choose to make these comments not through Vatican News, but through RAI? Some in the Vatican have an idea. Just observe Andrea Tornielli, who only a month after the papal election, has already begun delivering “catecheses” on the Pope’s catecheses. A priest close to the Holy Father noted: “Clumsy. Very clumsy… Maybe someone should explain to Tornielli what journalism actually is. The role of the fake priest, trying to ‘exegete’ the Pope’s words, does not suit him in the slightest.”
d.E.D.
Silere non possum