When Pope Francis emerged on the global stage, his unique approach to media engagement transformed the perception of papal presence in television. Coincidentally, the Television Regia Award ceremony scheduled for March 13, 2013, in Sanremo, faced a scheduling mishap due to the sudden election of Jorge Bergoglio as pope. As a result, Rai 1 did not broadcast the event live but aired it two weeks later. That evening, Pope Francis made an unforgettable first appearance, capturing hearts with his humble words. Over the years, he has redefined the relationship between the Vatican and television, engaging in numerous appearances and interviews that blurred the lines between spiritual leadership and media presence.
The journey began with his inaugural public statement, delivered at dinner time: "You came to take me almost at the end of the world." This phrase resonated deeply, marking the start of a new era. Parodies soon followed, such as Nicola Savino's imitation during "The Barbaric Invasions" on La7, where he humorously mimicked Javier Zanetti's voice. Other satirical portrayals by Maurizio Crozza and softer interpretations by Dario Ballantini and Massimo Lopez highlighted the cultural impact of this pontiff. Andro Merkù added another dimension through "La Zanzara," depicting a more relatable Pope Francis.
Beyond parodies, Pope Francis's media presence grew significantly compared to his predecessors. Unlike Karol Wojtyla, whose 1998 live phone call to Bruno Vespa was an exception, Francis embraced television regularly. His appearances ranged from calls to programs like "Uno Mattina" to interviews with Lorena Bianchetti for "in his image." Notably, he became the first pope to enter Rai's Saxa Rubra production studios on May 27, 2023. Collaborations extended to Mediaset, appearing multiple times on "Che tempo che fa" alongside Fabio Fazio, even promoting the show during prime Sunday broadcasts.
In 2023, Pope Francis made history by participating in the Sanremo Festival with a recorded video message advocating peace and unity. Delivered on February 1st, it preceded performances by Israeli artist Noa and Palestinian Mira Awad, emphasizing reconciliation amidst conflict. His recent health challenges evoke comparisons to John Paul II, yet his farewell mirrors Benedict XVI’s understated exit. Despite promising not to watch television since July 15, 1990, Pope Francis mastered its dynamics, leaving an indelible mark on both spiritual and media landscapes.
As Pope Francis steps back, the world reflects on his groundbreaking contributions to bridging faith and modern communication. His ability to connect through media while maintaining authenticity sets a precedent for future leaders. While his tenure concludes, his legacy of fostering dialogue and understanding continues to inspire across generations.