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BBC Vatican Lord Patten

Ex BBC Trust chairman to advise Vatican on media strategy

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By John Glenday, Reporter

July 10, 2014 | 2 min read

Chris Patten, former chairman of the BBC Trust, is to become an adviser to the Vatican on media strategy just weeks after relinquishing his previous post on health grounds.

The new job will see Patten head a committee advising the already media savvy Pope on public relations issues whilst providing advice on how best to modernise. Comprised of six lay experts and five Vatican officials the group will seek to revamp the Church’s digital media strategy, eliminate overlapping responsibilities and make cost savings.

Eyebrows have been raised however by Patten’s speedy return to work following heart surgery two months ago but Cardinal George Pell brushed such concerns aside, saying: “"His first priority is to regather his strength.”

"Soon after the end of the summer, he'll be very much involved and we've discussed informally the amount of time that might be required initially and he has accepted." He said Patten had been "very pleased to accept".

Patten’s extensive CV includes stints as a cabinet minister, EU commissioner and the last governor of Hong Kong. His most recent role was perhaps the most taxing however as Patten was buffeted by wave after wave of scandal and controversy at the BBC.

BBC Vatican Lord Patten

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