While most people expect a papal visit to be to a cathedral or a major religious site, Pope Leo XIV chose something a little different this time.
On Thursday, June 19, he paid a heartfelt visit to the Vatican’s radio transmitter station in Santa Maria di Galeria, Italy — a spot that might not be famous, but plays a huge role in spreading the Church’s voice across the globe.
This place, tucked away just outside Rome, might not look like a major landmark, but it’s been a crucial communication hub for the Vatican since the 1950s.
Thanking the Quiet Heroes Behind the Microphones
The Pope didn’t just pop in for a photo-op.
He took time to personally thank the staff working behind the scenes — those responsible for keeping the Vatican’s global communications running smoothly.
He blessed them during the visit, which also happened to coincide with the Church’s celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
What made the moment even more touching? Pope Leo reflected on how Vatican radio updates had kept him informed and spiritually connected during his own time as a missionary in Africa and Latin America.
It was a full-circle moment — someone who once relied on their work now honoring it at the highest level.
Walking in the Footsteps of Past Popes
This visit wasn’t just symbolic — it was historic.
Pope Leo XIV became the first pontiff to return to the station since Pope John Paul II visited back in 1991.
The station itself has quite a legacy: It was officially opened in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, building on the original Vatican Radio network created in 1931 by Pope Pius XI and legendary inventor Guglielmo Marconi.
A Double Celebration: Radio and an Anniversary
The timing of this visit held personal meaning too.
June 19 marked exactly 43 years since Pope Leo XIV was ordained as a priest.
To celebrate, he shared refreshments and laughs with the radio staff — a casual moment that added warmth to the official visit.
Looking Ahead: A Green Future for the Vatican
The trip wasn’t just about the past or the present — it also touched on the future.
While on-site, Pope Leo viewed a new project being explored for the area: an “agrivoltaic system” that would combine agriculture with solar energy production.
It’s part of a broader push toward sustainability inspired by Pope Francis’ 2024 directive Fratello Sole (“Brother Sun”), which aims to shift the Vatican’s energy use toward solar power.
A Visit Rooted in Gratitude and Vision
Pope Leo XIV’s stop at the Santa Maria di Galeria station may not have made headlines like a trip to a major basilica might, but it showed his appreciation for the people quietly helping the Church reach every corner of the world — and his commitment to a greener future.
A humble visit with a powerful message.