Ruffini Paolo

Paolo Ruffini, born in Palermo on October 4, 1956, is an Italian journalist who served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See from July 5, 2018, to April 21, 2025. His appointment marked a historic turning point, as he was the first layperson to lead a Vatican dicastery, reflecting Pope Francis’s trust in his experience and vision.

The son of politician and former minister Attilio Ruffini and the nephew of Cardinal Ernesto Ruffini, Paolo received a classical education at the Massimiliano Massimo Institute in Rome and earned a law degree from La Sapienza University. A professional journalist since 1979, he began his career in print media, working for Il Mattino and later Il Messaggero.

In the 1990s, Ruffini made a significant impact in broadcast journalism, serving as director of Giornale Radio Rai from 1996 to 2002, and heading Rai Tre in two periods, from 2002 to 2009 and again from 2010 to 2011. In 2011, he became director of La7, and in 2014, he was appointed director of TV2000, the television network of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

As Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Ruffini led a reform of the Vatican media system, promoting a more transparent approach to communication in service of the Church. He consistently emphasized the value of journalism that investigates and exposes injustice, while maintaining a pure gaze and an open heart.

Ruffini has been married to Maria Argenti since 1986 and has received several honors for his contributions to journalism, including the Ischia International Journalism Award in 2001. His career stands as a model of dedication and integrity in both secular and ecclesial communication.