Canceled Papal Press Conference on Flight
Microphones and cables were removed from the papal airplane aisle without explanation during a flight, Il Messaggero reported. The equipment for the Vatican television broadcast had been readied along the aisle.
Television equipment for the Vatican broadcast had been set up along the corridor for a press conference. Operators then dismantled the gear and moved it into the section reserved for the papal entourage during the flight between Buenos Aires and Lima. Microphones were ready, cables were already arranged along the airplane corridor, and Vatican television cameras were positioned before everything was suddenly dismantled and carried away without explanation or advance notice.
Vatican Press Office Explanations
Journalists asked Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni for an explanation regarding the change in plans. Bruni said that a press conference had never been announced.
Bruni said that questioning the pontiff during intermediate flights is not a codifed rule and journalists must remain ready because the Pope can decide to speak at any time. Montserrat Alvarado, the newly appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, subsequently addressed reporters on the aircraft.
“Ho deciso io,” Alvarado told reporters on the aircraft when explaining responsibility for the choice.
New Communications Approach
Alvarado moved between seats to listen to international journalists and discuss the situation. She later asked reporters to focus inquiries on travel topics and requested advance notice of themes.
Journalists objected to the proposal of vetting questions in advance. Alvarado subsequently clarified the policy during discussions with other correspondents.
“Siete liberi di fare le domande che volete, ma sarebbe opportuno restare in tema, su argomenti attinenti al viaggio,” Alvarado told correspondents, granting freedom to ask questions while recommending thematic relevance.
Communicating Christ to the world is the mandate of the Dicastery for Communication, and this will happen in harmony with the Holy Father.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Papal Flight
Why was the press conference canceled on the flight?
No official reason was given by Vatican officials for removing the broadcast equipment during the flight from Buenos Aires to Lima.
Who leads the Vatican Dicastery for Communication?
Montserrat Alvarado leads the Dicastery for Communication after a career that included fourteen years at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and work with the EWTN network.
What did the Vatican Press Office say about in-flight press conferences?
Matteo Bruni said that question-and-answer sessions during papal flights are not a codified rule and the pontiff decides when to speak.