Patron saints of the media. Patrons of the media or of media professionals?

Abstract

In the history of the Church, the cult of saints is associated with the custom of patronage, i.e. entrusting groups of people — residents of a given territory, members of associations or professional groups — to the care of a particular saint. The patron became an important element of a community’s identity and served as a reminder of their ethical responsibility for their work. In 1923, Pope Pius XI declared St Francis de Sales the patron of Catholic writers; in 1952, St Gabriel was proclaimed the patron of telecommunications; and in 1958, St Clare was designated the patron saint of television. This article addresses the question of these patronages in the light of papal statements issued since their proclamation. The magisterial method was used to achieve the intended goal. The primary motive for establishing these patronages was the protection believed to be offered by the saints. The patronages were also intended to provide moral guidance, as the saints were presented as spiritual guides for journalists and as models of ethical responsibility and trustworthiness in social communication. There is also no doubt that a patronage, even when associated with technological devices, ultimately concerns the people who use them.