Paolo Ruffini is the new prefect of the Dicastery for Communication: “I didn’t expect I would be called to such a major responsibility”

Paolo Ruffini is the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Communications. He was named today by Pope Francis, 106 days after the resignation of Msgr. Dario Edoardo Vigano as prefect of the then Secretariat for Communication.   Ruffini, who headed the TV2000 television network, is the first layperson at the helm of a Vatican dicastery. “I happened to take on new positions many times in my life. Every time it was a fresh start. And it was always unexpected. But this is the most unexpected of all. That of Pope Francis – said the new Prefect – is an appointment that took me by surprise, such a major responsibility is also the measure and a constant reminder of my personal smallness. I will always be grateful for this appointment, and offer my full commitment, everything I am and I know, to a greater plan.”

An ongoing journey. Born in Palermo on October 4 1956, he received a degree in Law at La Sapienza University in Rome. He has been working as professional journalist since 1979. In these capacities he worked for a number of newspapers: “Il Mattino”, Naples (1979-1986); “Il Messaggero”, based in Rome, (1986-1996); for radio news programs: Giornale Radio Rai (1996-2002); Gr Parlamento (1998-2002); Radio 1 (1999-2002); Inblu Radio (2014-2018); and on television: Rai3 (2002-2011); La 7 (2011-2014); Tv2000 (2014-2018). He has received many awards for journalism and was a panel speaker in many scholarly meetings on the role of Christians in the field of information, the ethics of communication and the new media. “The years working for Tv2000 represent a beautiful, uplifting experience, shared with extraordinary people. I thank the dignitaries of the Italian Church who called me to that role, showed me their trust and support. And I thank all my colleagues (starting with Lucio Brunelli, news desk director), who made it possible, and real, every day. I will never forget those days and those years”, Ruffini added: “With the help and the support of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) and of the Church as a whole we contributed to the growth of a beautiful television network, a beautiful Radio, a beautiful Web and social media platform, a beautiful alternative (ever more participated) to forms of communication that far too often are based on what is far from beautiful. I firmly believe that this path will continue in the future with increasing determination.”

Precious interlocutor. Congratulations arrived from CEI in the person of Fr Ivan Maffeis, CEI under-secretary and President of Rete Blu: “It’s an appointment that values a prominent expert who gave a decisive contribution to the growth of Tv2000 and to InBlu radio network; an esteemed friend, who successfully teamed up, patient and forward-looking. In thanking the Holy Father for his trust, we are sure we will find in Dr Ruffini a precious interlocutor to continue a fruitful cooperation at the service of Church mission.”