A Landmark Gathering for Catholic Media in the Jubilee Year
The Catholic media landscape will converge on Rome from January 23 to 26, 2025, for the 28th Rencontres Internationales Saint François de Sales. Organized by the Fédération des Médias Catholiques, a SIGNIS Member in France, this annual event will integrate seamlessly with the Holy See’s 2025 Jubilee for Journalists. This year’s theme, “Catholic media: what identity for what mission?” delves into the foundational and evolving identity of Catholic media, exploring its unique role in a rapidly changing world.
The event will offer a rich platform for theological and journalistic reflection on the multifaceted identity of Catholic media. Questions at the heart of the discourse include: What does it mean for media to be genuinely Catholic? How does this identity translate into editorial practices and engagement with Church authorities? And What responsibilities do Catholic journalists and collaborators bear in their mission to inform, form, and evangelize?
These questions will guide the discussions in various plenary sessions and debates, which will feature prominent voices in theology, journalism, and media management.
Participants will partake in the Jubilee’s signature spiritual activities, including a pilgrimage through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and an audience with Pope Francis.
Reflections on Catholic Media’s Role in a Secular World
This year’s the 28th Rencontres Internationales Saint François de Sales takes place against increasing challenges: declining public interest in religious content, the fragmentation of media audiences, and the ethical dilemmas digital journalism poses. These factors raise critical questions about the viability and relevance of Catholic media in the decades to come.
A standout session, “How can the Catholic media be agents of peace?” will explore how Catholic media can promote hope and peace in a fractured world in the sense of Pope Francis’ exhortation to be “pilgrims of hope.”
A remarkable testimony session will feature seasoned Vatican journalists like Nicole Winfield (Associated Press) sharing their insights on the delicate art of interpreting and reporting the Pope’s words.
Beyond its intellectual rigor, the event offers enriching cultural experiences, including a private concert by the Capella Ludovica at Saint-Louis-des-Français and a formal closing dinner. These occasions will foster community among Catholic communicators worldwide.
The 28th Rencontres Internationales Saint François de Sales is a conference and a clarion call for Catholic media to reassess its purpose and recommit to its spiritual and journalistic mission. In an era of global crises and media skepticism, this event stands as a beacon of hope and an invitation to serve the truth with courage and creativity.