Could the Vatican City enter the Eurovision Song Contest?

With all eyes on the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis, some Eurovision fans may wonder - could the city-state enter the Contest?

To enter the Eurovision Song Contest, broadcasters must be members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Radio Vaticana from the Vatican City is a full Member of the EBU, therefore, they are, in theory, eligible and able to participate in Eurovision.

Would they ever compete?

It is highly unlikely the Vatican City would choose to compete.

Radio Vaticana is dedicated to religious news, service and music.

The broadcaster would need to be interested in taking part and they have never expressed interest.

A Vatican statement in 2017

In the lead up to the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, there were reports the Vatican had been involved in a dispute over the

The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Greek Catholic Church was next to the International Exhibition Centre venue and there were concerns about construction near the site.

International Exhibition Centre with the church in the background

The Vatican released a statement denying any intervention.

"No body of the Holy See officially or secretly intervened in the matter of the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, while being aware about this issue and sharing the concerns of the believers. Hence, these publications have no grounds."

The church at the center of the dispute also stated:

"UGCC did not apply, and could not turn to Pope Francis about the illegal construction, which is carried out in Kyiv. Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is not a party to the conflict between the developer and the local community, but as a part of the community, in favor of the rule of law and respect for the religious feelings of believers."

Pope's Sanremo Music Festival involvement

Although he didn't involve himself in Eurovision, Pope Francis did appear at Sanremo Music Festival this year via a video link.

He shared the importance of music with the crowd.

"[Music] is a language that all peoples, in different ways, speak, and it reaches the heart of everyone. Music can help the coexistence of peoples.”

Eurovision 2019 and 2022 performer Mahmood also taught the "Pope" (who was actually an impersonator) how to perform his 2024 hit Tuta Gold.

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