News

An interview with Luigi Salimbeni, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems

Assessment of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24)

Artificial Intelligence is both a challenge and an opportunity. However, there is the need to impose international standards in the ethical sphere, and to continue to promote universal connectivity and digital inclusion, so that no country, region or community will be left behind. These were some of the topics addressed during the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), held from 15 to 24 October 2024 in New Delhi, India. The Assembly was attended by a Vatican Delegation led by Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, which included Antonino Intersimone and Luigi Salimbeni, respectively, Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems, and Sergio Salvatori, technical officer of the Technological Department of the Dicastery for Communication.

Nineteenth Vatican Observatory Summer School on Astronomy and Astrophysics

Twenty-five students from twenty-one countries

The Vatican Observatory has announced that 25 students from 21 countries will participate in its 19th Summer School on Astronomy and Astrophysics, VOSS 2025, in June, and have the opportunity of exploring the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Courses will take place at the Vatican Observatory, in the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo.

The Principles behind the Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence

Human dignity, ethics, security and transparency

Respect for human dignity, security, transparency and ethics are the principles that inspired the drafting of the Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence. Fifteen days since they came into effect, with the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State’s Decree No. DCCII, and while awaiting the laws and regulations for their implementation, it is worth reviewing the key points they feature.

Spoleto: Remembering Saint Pontian, Martyr

Concert by the Musical Band of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps

Over 700 people attended a concert by the Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City State, to celebrate the 1850th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Pontian, Patron Saint of Spoleto. Held on Saturday evening, 12 January, in the Umbrian town’s Teatro Nuovo “G. Menotti”, the concert was attended by Archbishop Renato Boccardo of Spoleto-Norcia, promoter of the event, and by civil and military authorities. The concert began with the Papal Anthem and concluded with the Italian National Anthem. The musicians were conducted by Maestro Stefano Iannilli, assisted by Mr. Mauro Colaiacomo, Deputy Commissioner of the Gendarmerie Corps, responsible for discipline and recruitment. The program included performances of the anthem for the 2025 Jubilee, by Sequeri, The Thieving Magpie, by Rossini, La Tregenda, from the opera Le Villi, Nessun Dorma, by Puccini, Ride of the Valkyries, by Wagner, Bugler’s Holiday, by Anderson, Viktor’s Tale from William’s film, The Terminal, the soundtrack of Metti una sera a cena, by Morricone and Modugno’s Nel blu dipinto di blu.

Pope Francis supports large families

Pope Francis supports large families and offers them financial assistance.

The Pope has decided that, as of 1 January 2025, permanent employees of the Governorate with large families, including three or more children, will receive a monthly bonus of  300 euros.

The Cardinal President celebrates Holy Mass with the families of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services, on the occasion of Epiphany

In Christ, the Bright Morning Star

 Epiphany is a celebration for adults and children, alike. On Saturday afternoon, 4 January, Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, celebrated Holy Mass in the Church of Maria, Madre della Famiglia (Mary, Mother of the Family), to come together and share the joy of the arrival of the Magi with their gifts. Fr. Franco Fontana, Chaplain of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services and of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, concelebrated the celebration, along with the Cardinal. Among those present, were Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate, Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General, and Mr. Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti and Mr.  Davide Giulietti, respectively, Director and Deputy Director, of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services.