Father Federico Lombardi has dedicated countless years to the Vatican Communications. He first worked as the Head of the Vatican Radio for 26 years, developing a relationship with Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The latter then appointed him Director of the Holy See Press Office in 2006 where he would go onto work for 10 years, growing close with Pope Francis as well.
FATHER FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Former Director of the Holy See Press Office
So, it’s a very broad and interesting job that allows you—or rather, requires you—to follow the Holy Father's day-to-day activities and to explain them to those who want to better understand or explore certain aspects. It’s a demanding life that keeps you constantly busy, especially during Pope Francis’s pontificate, with his innovations, creativity, and new initiatives. One had to be continuously ready to respond and step in.
He has reflected on his time with Pope Francis, who was the pontiff who ultimately accepted Father Lombardi's resignation in 2016 for reasons of age. He noted that it was a different experience working with Francis.
FATHER FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Former Director of the Holy See Press Office
With Pope Francis, let’s say that the dynamic nature of his activity and his more personal initiatives—such as meetings with people at Casa Santa Marta, or actions that were less long-term and more quickly decided—led the role of the press office director to become more flexible and closely tied to following the Pope’s daily activities. Whereas previously the role was more embedded within a structured system involving different offices and functions—if that makes sense—with Francis, for example, events and occasions where he took the initiative and wanted to personally explain their meaning or highlight one aspect or another became more frequent.
Pope Francis' focus on creating personal connections truly defined his pontificate. His legacy lives on through the close relationships with his collaborators like Father Lombardi.
JH
