ANALYSIS
Since its creation, the magazine Le Monde des religions has been interested in religious facts around the world. This bimonthly, which belongs to the Le Monde group, publishes its 100th issue on Friday. For this event, Le Monde des religions drew on its archives. He offers a compilation of his interviews with historians, religious and writers, already published before. Invited to the microphone of Philippe Vandel in "Media culture" Friday, Virginie Larousse, editor-in-chief of Le Monde des religions , explained that the magazine was aimed at everyone, believing or not.
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Virginity and chastity, veil, the future of Islam in France, witches ... The magazine offers, in each issue, a decryption on a theme related to religion or spirituality. According to Virginie Larousse, it is "the only magazine in the French media landscape and more widely international which speaks of religion in a secular and non-denominational manner". Catholicism, Buddhism or Islam ... All religions can benefit from a light. "We don't preach for any parish," reassures Virginie Larousse.
The editor-in-chief admits however that "the focus is more important on monotheisms because they are religions which concern us more in France". But, she assures that the magazine deals with these subjects "in a cultural, historical, critical and overwhelming manner, with a desire for deepening and understanding".
From denominational newspaper to information magazine
The title has not always adopted this editorial line. "At the time of its creation, in 1953, the magazine (which was then called Religious News in the World ) was denominational, that is to say, it was intended to relay the activity of Catholic missions and Christians around the world, "explains Virginie Larousse. In 2003, the title begins a radical turn. "When the Publications de La Vie Catholique (PVC) group was taken over by the Le Monde group", the chosen approach was to make this title a "secular magazine providing information on religious facts, rather than a yet another denominational magazine, "said the editor. The newspaper was then renamed to become Le Monde des religions . The magazine was then "worn for ten years by Frédéric Lenoir, who gave it this secular identity", according to Virginie Larousse.
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A "secular identity" which is felt on the structure of the readership. Because, the readers of the World of religions are not all believers. A logical observation for Virginie Larousse. She believes that "you can like certain aspects of religion without being a believer", like the readers of the newspaper L'Équipe "who do not practice sports" or painting enthusiasts who do not "paint". Despite "the dark part of religions", she underlines the existence "of absolutely magnificent texts and particularly inspiring characters".
To better adapt to its readership, Le Monde des religions , which has around 14,000 subscribers, will soon undergo major changes. Virginie Larousse ensures that "a very ambitious digital development reflection backed by the Le Monde group" is underway. It was also a turning point for a physical rapprochement of the editorial staff of Le Monde .