VATICAN - The Holy Father tells Vatican Television (CTV), on its 25th anniversary, to “seek paths to spread, in new ways, the voices and images of hope through the electronic network that envelops our planet in an increasingly encompassing web.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – "Videre Petrum, to see the Pope, is a desire that has brought uncountable pilgrims to Rome. This desire can be fulfilled, at least in part, thanks to radio and television, which have allowed so many, first through voice and now also through images, to participate in the ceremonies and events of the Vatican and the other places visited by the Pope in carrying out his ministry. Your effort is, above all, a precious service for communion in the Church.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the Staff members, contributors, and advisors of Vatican Television (CTV), whom he received in an audience on December 18, for the 25th anniversary of their foundation.
After recalling the origin of CTV, which was created in 1983 by John Paul II, “in the awareness that the Holy See, in adding on to the instruments of communication it already had, should also create its own television, so that the Pope's service to the Universal Church and humanity could make use of this means,” the Pope highlighted that “Television, however, is not seen only by Catholics.” Thus, in offering their images to the major television stations of the world and the main state or commercial channels, CTV assists “the proper and timely dissemination of information on life and the teaching of the Church in today's world.”
The Holy Father then recalled the dedication of the Center to record and distribute images of the liturgical celebrations, which are at the heart of Christianity: “Following the liturgical event through the attentive eye of the camera, which allows those who cannot be physically present to participate spiritually, is an arduous and noble task which demands your serious preparation and true spiritual harmony with that for which you are – in a certain way – intermediaries.”
In concluding, the Pontiff exhorted them to “seek paths to spread, in new ways, the voices and images of hope through the electronic network that envelops our planet in an increasingly encompassing web,” making use of the connections between the various forms of mass media that are taking shape in today's world: “Even the instruments of social communication used at the service of the Holy See naturally experience this evolution and should integrate themselves with awareness and in active participation...Today the Internet calls for an ever-growing integration of communication that is written, heard, and seen, and presents the challenge of increasing and intensifying forms of collaboration among the media that are at the service of the Holy See.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2008)