Paolo Ruffini is the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication. Pope Francis appointed him to the position after the resignation of Monsignor Dario Edoardo Viganò as head of what was formerly known as the Vatican Secretariat for Communication. Ruffini, the first lay person to direct a Vatican Dicastery, was up until now director of TV2000, the official television station of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
Ruffini graduated from La Sapienza University, Rome, with a degree in law. He is married and has a long career as a professional journalist. He has received several journalism awards and has taken part in numerous study conferences on the role Christians play in information, communication ethics and the new media.
“I’ve had to take on new positions many times in my life,” says Ruffini. “Every time it was a fresh start. And it was always unexpected. But this is the most unexpected of all. This appointment by Pope Francis 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 I offer my full commitment, everything I am and I know, to a greater plan.”
The Daughters of St. Paul throughout the world assure Paolo Ruffini of their best wishes and prayerful support of his new mission.