Why did Pius XII use radio broadcasts during World War II?

Pius XII was the first pope to utilize radio extensively during World War II. He employed these broadcasts primarily to deliver a series of Christmas messages that addressed themes of peace and the necessity of a new world order to replace the selfish nationalism that had fueled the conflict.1

Through these broadcasts, Pius XII sought to maintain the impartiality of the Holy See while navigating the complexities of the war. Although he used the platform to obliquely refer to the evils of modern warfare and express sympathy for those suffering due to their race or nationality, he avoided explicit public denunciations of specific regimes. He feared that such direct condemnations might provoke further brutalization of those under Nazi terror—as had occurred following protests by Dutch bishops—and jeopardize the future of the church.12