10 things every Vatican Communications Intern should know

Sophia Pizzi interned with Vatican Radio for four months through a study abroad program with Villanova University. She left these tips for future interns coming to the English Program. 

Dear future interns of Vatican Radio,

I’m writing to you with both excitement and envy. I am about to leave the Radio after a semester of working abroad, and allow me be the first to tell you: you are in for an incredible experience. For me, it was three months of navigating a new land full of triumphs, mistakes, and plenty of surprises along the way. I thought it would be helpful to provide you a list of tips to know, based on my journey as you begin your own, so you can be a few steps ahead as you delve into the unique world known as Vatican media. 

1. No two days are the same. 

One day you might be in the office writing about climate change and the next you’ll be strolling through ancient Rome on your way to interview a refugee. And maybe the next day you’ll be attending Mass with people you don’t know in a church you’ve never been in. That’s the beauty of journalism in a place so deeply grounded in history and culture: you never know what is ahead, but I assure you it is always, always interesting. 

2. You’re not really an ‘intern’. You’re a journalist.

Generally speaking, interns tend to spend their time helping out. They take assignments from their superiors and go on their way, learning as they go. But at Vatican Radio, there is little time for others to tell you what to do. In more common words, you’ll be doing “the whole nine yards.” From brainstorming your own story ideas to posting stories online, you’ll be trusted with a coveted sense of autonomy. Take advantage of that.

3. The Vatican has walls but no boundaries.

Despite its location, Vatican Radio really has no geographical limits when it comes to reporting. Always remember that anywhere in the world is only a phone call away*. 

*But also don’t forget to be conscious of time zones. When it’s 10 a.m. in Rome and you want to interview someone in Ecuador, you will literally have to hold the phone. Patience is key.    

4. Be calm. 

I was attending my first press conference, and suddenly my colleague told me to go interview a world renowned human rights activist as if it was no big deal. The nervousness must have been apparent on my face, because Linda looked at me and said: “Tranquilla, Sophia”. That word has stuck with me ever since. Calm down. Sure it’s a big deal, but it’s also not as hard as it looks. Don’t make it harder for yourself by worrying too much, and have fun with it. People want to talk to you.

5. Follow the Pope. 

Both in real life and on social media, I mean. Any time Pope Francis is around, try to go and see him. I’ve seen him a few times at the General Audiences in St. Peter’s Square and at many of the events during Holy Week. Each time is different, but each time is also equally inspiring. Pope Francis also recently got an Instagram, and his account is extremely active! So even when you’re not at work, you can get a daily dose of what is happening at the Vatican and in the world.

6. When in doubt, quote an encyclical.

These might be the most important words you will read on this post: Laudato Si is your best friend. The words of Pope Francis, in Laudato Si and beyond, have so many real-world implications and therefore can be applied to countless stories and interviews. They stimulate great conversation and always make a story more meaningful.

7. Brush up on your Latin. And Italian. And French while you’re at it. It’s a mini United Nations over here. Everyone speaks everything.

You’ll be at a press conference, listening in English, when suddenly everyone will switch to Italian. Then you’ll be reading a transcript of a papal event, encountering ancient words with a seemingly unnecessary amount of R’s, U’s, M’s, and V’s in all of them. Sure you can get by with just English, but communication is all about understanding, right?! Not to mention Latin is the basis for words in many other languages, including English, so you can improve your own vocabulary too.

8. Don't be afraid to ask.

Voice, obviously, is a very powerful tool on the radio. Sometimes, as the chaotic world of journalism unfolds around you, you might feel like you're interrupting or bothering your colleagues as they go about their daily work. But the office truly holds a wealth of resources. There's no such thing as a silly question. Voice your questions, voice your interests, voice your opinions—it'll be more efficient and beneficial in the long run. (And make for good vocal practice when you have to voice your stories too!)

9.  Share everything.

Stories don't end when you hit "publish". Send your interviewees the pieces you include them in, because it brings the production experience full circle. Share your stories on Facebook. Send links to family and friends on WhatsApp. The more you and your social circles engage with the work you write, the more you'll learn about the content and reception of it. 

10. Don't forget to press record. 

Double, triple, quadruple check the microphone to make sure it's on and recording properly. You don’t want to lose a good interview because of technology. But also mentally and personally, don't forget to record what's happening at work. Like I said, it's a world of organized chaos, but it's a world you'll want to remember and learn from in the future. Remember sitting in conferences, remember pressing buttons in the recording booth, remember that one time you showed up for an interview and the building was locked with no one around. (Ok, maybe don’t remember that one.) But remember the little things too, like talking about journalism ethics over lunch or joking about radio commentaries over coffee. These are the moments you’re here to live, but also the moments to take home with you as memories.

With these few tips in mind, I promise your experience will go above and beyond any expectations you might have. Best wishes to you, I have faith you’ll do great things!