An article at the Jubilee of the World of Communications
In a world increasingly shaped by disinformation, polarization, and concentrated control over information, Pope Francis’s message for the 2025 World Communications Day invites communicators to reflect deeply on their role in shaping society’s moral and spiritual fabric under the theme “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.”
The message acknowledges the “troubled times” in which we live and highlights the growing challenge posed by “a few centers of power” controlling “an unprecedented mass of data and information.” Against this backdrop, the Pope calls for a renewed commitment to courage and responsibility, urging communicators to “put personal and collective responsibility towards others at the heart of communication.”
The Pope’s words emphasize that communicators’ work is not just a profession but a vocation rooted in service. “Your courageous efforts,” he writes, “to put personal and collective responsibility towards others at the heart of communication are indeed necessary.”
Moreover, the Pope’s reference to sharing “gentleness” and “hope” reflects his broader vision for a culture of dialogue and encounter. It is an invitation to resist the tide of negativity and division by fostering authentic connections and prioritizing human dignity: I have spoken of our need to “disarm” communication and to purify it of aggressiveness. It never helps to reduce reality to slogans. All of us see how – from television and talk shows to verbal attacks on social media – there is a risk that the paradigm of competition, opposition, the will to dominate and possess, and the manipulation of public opinion will prevail. The call to “share with gentleness” is not a sign of weakness but a manifestation of strength rooted in humility and love. It demands patience, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to truth—qualities increasingly rare in a media landscape dominated by speed and sensationalism.
This reality is particularly resonant during the Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis describes as “a moment of grace.” The Jubilee invites all people, especially communicators, to pause, reflect, and rediscover the sacredness of their calling. In doing so, they can become “witnesses of hope,” spreading light in a world often overshadowed by doubt and despair.
Pope Francis’s message for the 2025 World Communications Day inspires SIGNIS, a global Catholic organization dedicated to communication for peace. SIGNIS embodies the Pope’s vision by fostering dialogue, promoting ethical storytelling, and amplifying marginalized voices. By embracing this call to gentleness and hope, SIGNIS members can continue their mission to transform the world through the power of communication.
*SIGNIS Communication & Web Editor