Electric Light and Eternal Light: Edison’s Friendship with Pope Pius XI
- Dillion Liskai
- May 7
- 3 min read
The world was left heartbroken and saddened recently by the news of the passing of Pope Francis. Throughout his life, Pope Francis championed unconditional respect for others, regardless of personal belief, something even those outside traditional religious life understood. Thomas Edison was one of those individuals who had not lived a traditional religious life. Admittedly, Thomas Edison was not much of a “religious” man. To say that he was religious would be wrong, but to say that he didn’t believe in anything would also be incorrect. He was somewhere in between. However, although he was not a major practitioner of religion, he greatly respected anyone who practiced their faith. In February of 1922, when Thomas Edison was preparing to celebrate his 75th birthday, a Cardinal ten years his junior had just been installed as the new Pope.
Leading any team, business, or religion is not an easy task. Pope Pius XI soon found himself inundated with essential documents, church affairs, and correspondence from Catholics and world leaders alike. Upon learning of his busy schedule, Edison, a man frequently overwhelmed with work, sent Pope Pius XI a special dictation machine crafted from gold, ivory, and silver to help alleviate his workload. Edison’s generosity touched Pope Pius XI and, in return, sent Edison a medal with his blessing, which Edison cherished for the rest of his life.
Just a day after Edison’s 84th birthday in 1931, Pope Pius XI became the first to address via radio. Towards the end of Edison’s life, Pope Pius XI often reached out to check in on the great inventor. Upon hearing of Edison’s death, Pope Pius XI sent a message to the Edison family at Edison's Glenmont home. In 1936, Pope Pius XI established the Pontifical Science Academy, aiming to promote the progress of mathematical, physical, and natural sciences and to encourage the entire world to be a little more curious—something that Thomas Edison certainly would have been proud of.
Though they came from vastly different worlds—one an inventor from Milan, Ohio, and the other the head of the Catholic Church—Thomas Edison and Pope Pius XI found common ground in mutual respect, kindness, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place. Their friendship reminds us that faith and science, belief and doubt, can coexist and thrive when guided by understanding and goodwill. May it now be up to us, no matter our beliefs, to continue spreading kindness and respect toward others across the globe.
Sources Used and Encouraged for Further Reading
Esper, Reverend Joseph M. 2011. “On Admiration Of The See Of Peter.” Catholic Journal, (August). https://catholicjournal.us/2011/08/22/on-admiration-of-the-see-of-peter/
Fottrell, Quentin. 2016. “10 greatest moments in pope technology.” MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/9-great-moments-in-pope-technology-2015-09-17
San Pedro News Pilot. 1931. “Whole World Mourns at Death of Edison.” October 19, 1931, 3. https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SPNP19311019.2.19&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------
Dillon Liskai, a native of Clyde, Ohio, is a Bowling Green State University junior. He is pursuing a degree in Adolescent to Young Adult (AYA) Integrated Social Studies Education, specializing in History.
Dillon has been a tour guide at the Thomas A. Edison Birthplace Museum for the past three years. When not at school or the museum, he enjoys cheering on the Bowling Green Falcons, spending time with friends and family, and exploring local history.
Have a question for Dillon? Reach out via email at dliskai@tomedison.org!
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