Vatican Media Honored in Poland for Commitment to Peace
Vatican media institutions received formal recognition in Poland for their role in promoting peace, dialogue, and ethical communication in a world shaped by conflict and division. During a ceremony held in Warsaw at the Polish Army Museum, the Polish language section of Vatican Radio Vatican News and L’Osservatore Romano was awarded the Benemerenti distinction. The honor was conferred by the Military Ordinariate of Poland during celebrations marking the thirty fifth anniversary of its restoration. Church leaders present at the event emphasized that the award reflected not only professional excellence but also a moral mission rooted in the Gospel. By consistently communicating the voice of the Church and the Pope, Vatican media were praised for contributing to a culture of peace, security, and responsibility, particularly in times when truth and solidarity are increasingly challenged in public discourse.
The distinction was presented by Bishop Wiesław Lechowicz, Military Ordinary of Poland, who described the presence of Vatican media representatives as a confirmation that communication can genuinely serve peace. He underlined that the mission of the Dicastery for Communication is inseparable from the Church’s call to witness to Christ as the source of reconciliation. Vatican journalists, he noted, continue to promote values such as justice, truth, and solidarity even when these are overlooked or contested. The award recognized long term commitment rather than isolated achievements, highlighting the role of Catholic media in shaping consciences and offering moral clarity. In the Polish context, this contribution carries particular historical weight given the country’s experience of conflict, totalitarianism, and the enduring importance of faith based communication in sustaining hope.
Representing Vatican media at the ceremony, Andrea Tornielli reflected on the responsibility of bringing the voice of the Successor of Peter to audiences across the world. He described the Polish language editorial team as a model within the wider Vatican media system, noting its reach both inside and beyond Poland. Polish remains one of the principal languages used by Vatican media, a continuity closely linked to the legacy of Saint John Paul II. Tornielli stressed that authentic communication is built on truth, relationship, and responsibility, values that guide Catholic journalism. He also noted the remarkable global reach of Polish language Vatican content, which over the past year has engaged audiences on a scale that demonstrates the continued relevance of faith centered media.
Additional reflections highlighted the unique place of the Polish language within Vatican media history. Massimiliano Menichetti emphasized its role in preserving faith during periods of oppression and its present mission of interpreting global events through the lens of the Church’s social teaching. Vatican media leaders and members of the Polish editorial team also received further recognition for their service, alongside honors granted to units of the Polish Armed Forces. The ceremony underscored a shared conviction that communication, when rooted in truth and human dignity, can become an instrument of peace. In honoring Vatican media, Church and military leaders alike affirmed the enduring power of words to build understanding and to resist the normalization of violence in public life.
