On June 16, the first edition of the Ozanam Journalism Award was presented to Paolo Ruffini. The director of L’Osservatore Romano, Andrea Monda, took part in the Assembly, and the first part of the Training Workshop for National Presidents was held.

Taking Frederic Ozanam as an example and to honour his memory as a writer and journalist for  various newspapers and magazines of the time, and   being aware of the importance of the media for evangelization, the International General Council created this award to recognize media professionals who are concerned with the publication of news related to charity, evangelical values, Vincentian virtues, ethics and social justice.

This year, in its first edition, the “Ozanam Prize for Journalism” was awarded to the Italian journalist PAOLO RUFFINI, elected by Pope Francis as Prefect of the “Dicastery for Communication” of the Holy See (the first layman in this position). This dicastery is responsible for the “Vatican News” Department, which encompasses radio, internet, television and the traditional newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. Ruffini has extensive professional experience in various media, especially press, radio and television.

In his speech, Paolo Ruffini stressed (among many other topics) the need for communication that highlights Christian values, that seeks the truth, that builds brotherhood and that keeps social isolation and falseness away from us. (His message will be published in full soon).

Read More:Here.