Elettra Marconi Says Radio Remains the Most Reliable Medium at Vatican Radio’s 95th Anniversary

As Vatican Radio marks ninety five years since its inauguration, Princess Elettra Marconi has expressed deep affection and gratitude for the broadcaster founded by her father, Guglielmo Marconi, at the invitation of Pope Pius XI in 1931. Speaking from her residence in Rome, she reflected on the historical and spiritual significance of the project that brought the Pope’s voice to the world.

Vatican Radio was officially inaugurated on 12 February 1931 after Pope Pius XI entrusted Marconi with designing and building a powerful radio station capable of global transmission. The initiative represented a groundbreaking collaboration between scientific innovation and the Church’s pastoral mission. According to Princess Elettra, the moment was one of the most moving in her father’s life.

She recalled that Marconi held deep faith and maintained a strong relationship with Pope Pius XI, whom she described as intellectually curious and attentive to scientific progress. The Pope followed technological developments closely and encouraged the project, recognizing the potential of radio to serve humanity and evangelization.

Marconi dedicated himself fully to the construction of Vatican Radio, spending several consecutive months in Rome, an unusual period of stability for a man known for constant international travel. Princess Elettra noted that her father visited the Vatican daily during the project, while the Pope personally followed the progress of the work in the Vatican gardens. Archival photographs and film footage document their collaboration during this historic undertaking.

For Princess Elettra, preserving her father’s legacy has been both a responsibility and a source of joy. Over the years she has traveled extensively to countries across the globe, meeting communities who continue to express gratitude for Marconi’s invention. She emphasized that radio connected nations long before the era of rapid air travel and digital communication, creating bonds that transcended borders.

Reflecting on the current technological landscape, she addressed the growing presence of artificial intelligence in media and communication. While acknowledging its potential benefits, she stressed that such tools must be used responsibly and remain under human control. In her view, technology should serve people rather than replace human judgment and creativity.

Asked whether radio can still be trusted in an age dominated by digital platforms, Princess Elettra responded without hesitation that radio remains highly reliable. She described it as a direct and immediate means of conveying information, capable of reaching audiences clearly and effectively.

As Vatican Radio enters its ninety sixth year, Princess Elettra expressed hope that younger generations would learn about the broadcaster’s history and draw inspiration from her father’s passion for scientific discovery. She concluded by extending her best wishes to those who continue working within Vatican Radio, encouraging them to honor its legacy and uphold its mission of service to the Pope and to listeners worldwide.