The Vatican's Voice
Exploring the Holy See's central hub for global outreach and information.
Discover More 👇 Our History ⏳Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
What is the Dicastery?
Overview
The Dicastery for Communication, known in Latin as Dicasterium pro Communicatione, is a pivotal department within the Roman Curia. It holds comprehensive authority over all communication offices of the Holy See and the Vatican City State. This centralizes the Holy See's efforts in disseminating information and engaging with the world through various media channels.
Scope of Operations
The Dicastery oversees a wide array of communication entities. These include the official Vatican website, Vatican News (integrating the former Vatican Media Center), the Holy See Press Office, the esteemed newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican Radio, Vatican Press, and the Vatican Publishing House. It effectively consolidates and directs the Holy See's multifaceted communication strategy.
Integration of Offices
Established by Pope Francis, the Dicastery absorbed the functions of previous bodies, most notably the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. This strategic integration aims to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of the Holy See's communication efforts in the modern digital age.
Historical Development
Foundation and Evolution
Pope Francis established the Secretariat for Communication in June 2015, appointing Monsignor Dario Edoardo Viganò as its first prefect. Following Viganò's resignation in March 2018, the secretariat was officially renamed the Dicastery for Communication in June 2018. This transition marked a significant step in consolidating the Holy See's communication apparatus.
Leadership and Appointments
The appointment of Paolo Ruffini, an award-winning lay journalist, as prefect in July 2018 was a notable milestone, being the first time a layman headed a Vatican dicastery. Ruffini's leadership has guided the Dicastery through its formative years. The Dicastery has also seen numerous appointments of members and consultants, reflecting a broad engagement with expertise in communications and church affairs.
Key Personnel
Members
The Dicastery's membership comprises distinguished figures from the global Church hierarchy and laity, appointed by the Pope. These include Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and other professionals, contributing diverse perspectives and expertise to the Dicastery's mission.
Consultants
In addition to its members, the Dicastery benefits from the insights of appointed consultants. These individuals, often experts in media, theology, and communication strategy, provide valuable guidance and support to the Dicastery's ongoing work.
Official Resources
Official Website
The primary source for information regarding the Dicastery's activities, structure, and publications is its official website. This portal provides access to the latest news, official documents, and contact information for the various offices under its purview.
Visit Website ➡️Vatican News Services
An index of the various news services operated by the Holy See is also available. This index offers a gateway to the diverse media channels through which the Vatican communicates its messages and activities globally, including Vatican Radio, Vatican News, and L'Osservatore Romano.
Explore Services ➡️Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Dicastery For Communication" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Holy See, Notice of Briefing, 10.10.2024, accessed on 11 Ocytober 2024
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official Vatican guidance or religious advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official Vatican documents or seeking guidance from qualified ecclesiastical authorities. Always refer to official sources for definitive information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.