In a context where transparency and effective communication are essential for the credibility of institutions, the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) launched the Program in Reputation and Crisis Management in the Catholic Church – in 2025. This virtual program, co-organized by the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE), will run from May 3 to July 12 and Will seek to strengthen the response capacity of Catholic communicators in critical situations.
This diploma course is a key initiative to address the reputational challenges facing the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, social questioning and scandals have generated an atmosphere of distrust that has impacted the Church’s relationship with the community. The training provides strategic tools for church spokespersons to act quickly, ethically, and effectively in crisis management.
The proposal is co-organized by CELAM and PUCE, with the collaboration of institutions including SIGNIS Latin America and the Caribbean (SIGNIS LAC). This alliance strengthens the diploma’s impact by integrating crisis communication experts with extensive experience in the ecclesial and media fields.
The course, taught through CELAM’s Virtual Campus, is aimed at bishops, priests, and religious and lay people responsible for communication in the Episcopal Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean and Catholic media and social networks. Throughout the modules, participants will explore fundamental topics such as:
– Fundamentals of reputation and crisis management in the Church.
– Communication strategies for times of crisis.
– Analysis of the impact of disinformation on sensitive issues.
– Development of digital strategies to face reputational crises.
– Principles of transparency, justice, and reparation of victims in communication.
The program’s approach addresses theory and includes case studies, crisis simulations, and practical workshops to provide participants with concrete skills in managing institutional communication.
The course will include participation from renowned specialists in communication and crisis management within the Church. Among them will be Carlos Ferraro, president of SIGNIS ALC, who will contribute his experience in constructing effective communication strategies in critical scenarios. Albertina Navas (SIGNIS Ecuador), a specialist in crisis management in media environments, will also be part of the team of trainers.
In addition to these experts, the course will bring together a multidisciplinary team of communicators, journalists, and specialists in reputational crises who will share practical tools to improve institutional communication in difficult times.
This diploma course represents a unique opportunity for church communicators to prepare themselves for the challenges of the digital era in a context where reputation and trust in religious institutions are constantly challenged. Thanks to CELAM’s collaboration with SIGNIS ALC and other organizations, participants will receive high-level training focusing on transparency, the protection of victims, and the consolidation of effective pastoral communication.
Dates: May 3 to July 12, 2025.
Modality: Virtual – Campus CELAM
Schedules:
Tuesdays: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Colombia)
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Colombia)
More information and registration: Diplomado CELAM-SIGNIS ALC