Pope Francis addressed a large gathering of communicators in Rome, thanking them for their dedication and the risks many take to report the truth, especially in war zones. He honoured journalists who have lost their lives or been imprisoned for their work, urging world leaders to free unjustly detained reporters.
The Pope emphasised that journalism is more than a profession—it is a vocation and mission. He called on communicators to report with truth and responsibility, highlighting the power of storytelling to unite people, reveal the good in humanity, and inspire hope.
He warned against the dangers of misinformation, media overuse, and social media “brain rot,” urging for better media literacy and thoughtful communication, especially among the youth.
Reflecting on St. Paul’s transformative encounter with Christ, Pope Francis reminded communicators of their role in creating meaningful change by sharing stories that inspire hope and healing. He concluded by encouraging them to embrace their mission as “hopetellers” and to leave room for light and goodness even in the darkest stories.
The Pope blessed the participants and asked for their prayers, urging them to continue their “good fight” in spreading truth and hope.
Thousands Gather in Rome for Jubilee of Communication
Around ten thousand people, from young adults to top CEOs, have come together in Rome for a special weekend. They travelled not for a concert or a big conference, but for the Jubilee of the World of Communication.
This is the first Jubilee event of the Holy Year. It started on January 24, the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists and writers, with a penitential liturgy at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
On January 25, participants walked through the Holy Door as part of a pilgrimage and later attended an audience with Pope Francis in the Paul VI Hall. The three-day event ended on January 26 with the “Sunday of the Word of God” Mass, celebrated by the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Jubilee of Communication aims to bring hope to the world. According to the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, this hope is not just a dream but a force that inspires us to connect with others through the stories we tell – whether in writing, speech, or images.
Pope Francis has often reminded communication professionals of their mission to make people feel less alone, give a voice to those unheard, and communicate truthfully.
At the event, the Dicastery invited two well-known communicators to share their thoughts. Irish author Colum McCann, co-founder of the global storytelling non-profit Narrative 4, believes that storytelling is key to unity. “The shortest distance between any people is a story,” McCann said, highlighting how listening and sharing stories help us understand one another.
Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and CEO of Rappler, also shared her insights, inspiring participants with her commitment to freedom of expression and truthful communication.
The Jubilee of Communication reminds everyone, from media professionals to ordinary people, of the power of words and stories to bring hope and build stronger connections.
Source: Vatican News
