Cardinal Camillo Ruini has died in Rome at the age of 93. He was vicar of the capital for nearly two decades and president of the Bishops' Conference. For the average citizen, his death does not change daily routine, but it does close a chapter in the relationship between the Church and the State in Italy. His figure was key in the country's social and moral debates.
Ruini's legacy and the era of ecclesial communication 2.0 ⛪
During his years of leadership, Ruini knew how to handle traditional media effectively, but today's Church faces a different digital challenge. While he operated with press releases and news conferences, today algorithms are needed to make messages go viral. The transition from vertical authority to decentralized networks is complex. Ruini's model of influence, based on political contacts, clashes with the need to adapt to modern platforms and fragmented audiences.
The latest controversy: neither app nor digital blessing 😅
Now that Ruini has passed, some in the Vatican debate whether to beatify him or launch an app for quick confessions. Ironies aside, his death reminds us that not even the best ecclesial lobbying can compete with a viral meme. While the faithful await a miracle, the technicians of the Holy See keep trying to get the Wi-Fi at St. Peter's café to work without dropping out. In the end, even cardinals leave without leaving a social media manual.