Total overhaul of media operations imperative

Lord Christopher Patten, former chairman of the BBC Trust, and current head of Pope Francis’ media committee is spearheading a total upgrade of the Vatican’s media operations.

While speaking to journalists at St. Patrick’s Church in central London, Patten said that it was imperative for the media arm of the Vatican be modernised and wastage curbed.

Adding that the Vatican has 600 employees on its media team, and spends $70million on media services alone.

According to Patten, “It would be beyond bizarre to deny the Vatican the sort of modern media operation that others, including existing national church organisations, take for granted.”

He also said 'What is needed now is more visual, multimedia content, especially if one wishes to reach younger people.'

While canvassing for that the Vatican should engage in sponsorship deals and sell archival materials, as a way of boosting its media budget, he said his committee will offer better value for money.