Communicating hope and unity

On 27 January 2025, Pope Francis addressed the bishops who are presidents of Communication Commissions and the national directors of Communication Offices, participants in an important meeting promoted by the Dicastery for Communication. In his speech, the Pontiff highlighted the essential mission of communication in the Church’s life and the contemporary world.

Communicating life and hope

The Holy Father began by emphasizing that communicating is not limited to transmitting information, but involves sharing the life of the Church and projecting a Christian vision on world events. In the midst of a society often marked by media noise, divisions, and discouragement, Francis reminded those present of their duty to sow hope, a value that, according to him, “lies at the heart of the Gospel message.”

The Pope called for not being satisfied with a business approach to communication, where marketing strategies and numbers prevail. For him, communication in the Church must be imbued with prayer, discernment, and a deep desire to serve others.

Working together to heal divisions

Another highlight of the speech was the importance of healing the divisions that affect both the world and ecclesial communities. Francis stressed that communication cannot be a source of discord, but must contribute to building bridges, generating mutual understanding and fostering unity.

“The Lord calls us to be artisans of peace, also through words,” said the Pontiff. He added that ecclesial communications must help counteract the proliferation of what he called “new towers of Babel,” alluding to chaotic media spaces that, instead of uniting, contribute to confusion.

A network of harmony and creativity

The Pope encouraged communication leaders to work in synergy, taking advantage of the strengths of ecclesial networks to transmit a message of harmony. He recognized the need for creativity in the field of communication, noting that the Gospel inspires an infinite wealth of ways to transmit its message to the modern world.

“Creativity is not at odds with fidelity to the Gospel, but rather enriches it and makes it more accessible to all,” he said.

A model of communication in a synodal key

Concluding his speech, the Holy Father urged those present to continue working in communion, fostering unity within the Church and projecting a model of communication inspired by synodality. He stressed that this perspective helps to amplify the voices of all, especially the weakest, and to build an open and close Church.

Pope Francis invited communicators to reflect on their role and to seek concrete ways of being not only transmitters of information, but agents of change and hope in a world that so needs it.

To read the full speech here.