‘All my affection and gratitude.’ Those are Princess Elettra Marconi’s words on the 95th anniversary of Vatican Radio, inaugurated by her father Guglielmo on 12 February 1931 at the invitation of Pope Pius XI.
By Massimiliano Menichetti
Interviewing Princess Elettra Marconi is an extraordinary experience. Not only because we are in the apartment on Rome’s Via Condotti, steeped in memories, from which her father Guglielmo, at the push of a button on October 12, 1931, illuminated the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro – but also because one feels the strength and devotion of a daughter who has dedicated her entire life to promoting the legacy of one of the greatest scientists of all time.
An English-language transcript of the interview is below.
Q: Princess Elettra, you have always been a strong supporter of Vatican Radio. What does the broadcaster’s 95th anniversary mean to you?
A: It is an extremely important date, because in my father’s life it was a very beautiful and deeply moving moment. He had great faith in God and also great admiration and friendship for the Holy Father, Pope Pius XI. He was always supported by the Pope in Italy. The Pope himself had the mind of a researcher; he followed inventions closely, wanted to know the details, and would call to hear about the latest discoveries.
The interview in Rome’s Via Condotti
Guglielmo Marconi designed and physically built Vatican Radio, inaugurated in 1931. What did he tell you about that experience?
Everything revolved around the importance of Vatican Radio. Thank God there is that beautiful newsreel by the Istituto Luce, which shows my father—after agreeing with the Pope to build this powerful radio station to reach the whole world—presenting it. He wanted to present the Pope to the world. In that footage, you can see how aware and moved my father was. And the Pope’s response—Pius XI’s words—were wonderful and extraordinarily intelligent.
My father devoted himself completely to the project. It was the longest period he ever stayed in Rome, for several consecutive months. He was always traveling—London, New York—but this was exceptional.
I remember that whenever we returned, we would speak about how that had been his longest stay in one place. He went to the Vatican every day, and every day the Pope would walk in the Vatican gardens to follow the progress of the work. There are marvelous photographs and film of them together. A street was later named “Via Guglielmo Marconi.” There is a photograph of His Holiness Pope Pius XI walking beside him there.
Princess Elettra, you have dedicated your life to promoting your father’s legacy. What has that meant to you?
For me it was a duty, and also my greatest joy. I wanted to travel to every country to thank people for the welcome they gave me, for their wonderful words, and for the gratitude they showed for my father’s invention.
I have been not only to Brazil—many times, and I adore it—but to Australia nine times; to America countless times, since my father crossed the Atlantic by sea 87 times. Today we have airplanes! I have also been to China, Japan, Taiwan…
Elettra Marconi as a child, in the centre, with her father and mother
It has been an adventure within an adventure within an adventure …
An adventure indeed. I also wanted to bring my son Guglielmo, so he could see how much people admired his grandfather. My father united all the countries of the world through radio.
On February 12, radio celebrates its 95th anniversary, and on February 13 UNESCO marks World Radio Day. This year’s theme concerns artificial intelligence: “Artificial intelligence is a tool, not a voice.” What do you think of AI today?
I think it could be positive, but it must be controlled. These means of communication must be used properly.
What message would you like to send to those who work at Vatican Radio today, in this time of major technological change?
I send them all my affection and gratitude. And I hope they will work as I have worked—to remember my father and to honor him.
Do you have a wish for Vatican Radio on its anniversary?
My wish is that it be presented to the public, that people speak about it. I would like to meet them to say this in person, but perhaps this is the best way—to communicate it through the radio.
And especially the young—may they grow up inspired by my father’s example. He had a great passion for electromagnetic waves and for all that they can achieve.
Can radio be trusted?
Yes—more than anything else. News comes directly through it. It is extremely important.
Would you like to add a final personal thought?
I have great faith in God, and I love my neighbor. I hope that everyone may be at peace in their conscience. My very best wishes to all.