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Inauguration of Vatican Radio, 12 Feberuary 1931 [MPG , 7.9 MB]

Guglielmo Marconi and Vatican Radio

To speak about the birth of Vatican Radio and the twelfth of February, 1931, is easy enough. However, it's more difficult to portray the ambience, the atmosphere, and the sense of excitment that permeated that Marconi alla Radio Vaticana 1931momentous occasion. Guglielmo Marconi, the great scientist who had for years been celebrated in the world's newspapers, approached the 12th of February with fear; in fact he was almost trembling as he realized the import of the endeavor he was about to undertake for the Supreme Pontiff. Upon the arrival of His Holiness Pope Pius XI, Mr. Marconi genuflected and humbly kissed the ring of the Successor of Peter. Pope Pius nodded paternally, smiled, and placed his hand on Marconi's shoulder in a manner which was almost an embrace. One could continue to explain the beginning moments of Vatican Radio in this manner, but the moment is better conveyed through the exact words of those present on that splendid day on the Vatican Hill.

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