The late Pope Francis in his Message on the 59th World Day of Social Communications urged all journalists, communicators all over the world to strife to promote a communication that can heal the wounds of humanity.
“Make room for the heartfelt trust that, like a slender but resistant flower, does not succumb to the ravages of life, but blossoms and grows in the most unexpected places,” he charged.
In his message, the late Supreme Pontiff further urged all communicators to be witnesses and promoters of a non-aggressive communication; help to spread a culture of care, build bridges and break down the visible and invisible barriers of the present time.
They should tell stories that are steeped in hope, “be concerned about our common destiny and strive to write together the history of our future,” he encouraged.
Touching on the theme: “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (cf. 1 Pet 3:15-16), the late Holy Father called on all communicators to courageously lay personal and collective responsibility towards others at the heart of communication, in the contemporary world characterized by disinformation and opposition.
They should be “communicators of hope”, starting from a renewal of their work and mission in the spirit of the Gospel.
Hope, he acknowledged, is not easy to come by, but nevertheless, is not an option but a necessary condition for all Christians.
Communicators therefore must never allow instinctive reactions to guide their communication, but should “always spread hope, even when it is difficult, even when it costs, even when it seems not to bear fruit,” he implored.
The late Pope further admonished all communicators to not only care for their hearts; their interior life, but also to be meek and never forget the faces of other people, “speak to the hearts of the women and men whom you serve in carrying out your work”.
The Holy Father shared the belief that all these could be achieved with the grace of God, “which the Jubilee helps us to receive in abundance”.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (DEPSOCOM, Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate / Sister Communicator).
