Advert advent: Vatican Radio, which first hit the airwaves over 70 years ago, is going commercial to meet rising costs.

The station – known as the Voice of the Pope – has been looking for ways to raise funds to cover running costs of €19 million a year, and plans to air its first ad next month. Though Pope Benedict XVI has reportedly signed off on the plans, an advertising agency will be called in to make sure all the ads are in keeping with Church teachings and moral standards.