BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST
In these times of mass media coverage, we take for granted that we frequently saw and heard Pope Francis on television, radio, and over the internet during his life, and even his funeral was widely available on television and by streaming. This was not always the case…what if you had never heard the voice of the Pope? What would the first time you heard his voice mean to you?
The first time any pope addressed the world’s Catholics via radio was on February 12, 1931, during the inaugural broadcast of Vatican Radio. Pope Pius XI made his remarks in Latin. This event was mentioned in the annals of several of the Sisters of Providence’s missions:
St. Peter’s Convent Annals, Trenton – The whole world listened in to hear our Holy Father speak. We all heard him and the other conversations which took place between Rome and New York very distinctly. A Red Letter Day for the whole Catholic world to hear the Pope’s voice.
Congregational Annals, House of Providence, Kingston – Today the coronation anniversary of our Holy Father, His Holiness’ voice was over the whole world, through the radio. We heard him distinctly here – in Latin. His discourse was given in English – from New York a few minutes later. It will likely be published in the paper tomorrow.
St. Vincent de Paul Hospital Annals, Brockville – This morning around 11 o’clock we had the privilege of hearing the Holy Father speak over the radio.
Providence Shelter Annals, Winnipeg – The Pope’s voice was heard over the radio all over the world for the first time in history.
Pope Pius XI was pope from February 1922 to February 1939. His death and the election of his successor are mentioned in the Congregational annals. Notice again how important radio was to the sisters’ experiences of both of these events.
February 1939 – Congregational Annals – On the tenth of the month the death occurred in Rome of the Great Pope Pius XI. Only a few days ill, this was rather unexpected sad news for the Catholic church and people. The radio announcements and beautiful eulogies broadcast over the air pay wonderful tribute to our late Holy Father. May his soul rest in peace.
March 2, 1939 – Congregational Annals – The month of St. Joseph was ushered in with high tension prevailing because of the election in Rome (where all the Cardinals of the church have assembled) of a new Pope. Before the day was over the joyful news was flashed by radio all over the world. Cardinal Pacelli was elected at the third ballot and took the name of his predecessor. He will be known as Pius XII.