Vatican Radio starts running ads for the first time ever

Not to be outdone by the forward-thinking North Koreans, it appears that the Vatican City will also start allowing advertising in state-owned media. According to the BBC, Vatican Radio, the official radio station of the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church, will start broadcasting ads for the the first time in its 78 year history.

Like many other businesses and organizations, the Roman Catholic Church is going through troubled financial waters, and allowing advertisers to run ads on their station will help offset the $30M US a year cost of running the station. Until now, the station was funded entirely by the Church.

The first company to advertise on Vatican Radio? Enel, Italy’s largest power company, who is expected to keep their ads in the same conservative tone of the stations format.

No word of a Bud Light “Real Men of Genius” ad to salute “Mr. Take An Extra Wafer At Communion For Snacking Later.”