Archbishop Sebastian Francis, Apostolic Vicar of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan, urged Franciscan friars to reject online backbiting, fake news, and negative social media behavior, calling them instead to become bridge-builders through listening, dialogue, and fraternity.
Addressing about 30 Franciscan friars during their Annual National Retreat in Karachi on July 30, the archbishop said authentic Christian witness begins with the "art of listening" and respectful communication.
Reflecting on the recent Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) Plenary Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia, Archbishop Sebastian Francis encouraged the friars to embrace synodal conversion by fostering dialogue and building bridges within the Church and society.
Drawing on the Gospel account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he said walking together and listening deeply creates space to encounter the Risen Christ.
The archbishop also offered practical guidance for ministry in the digital age, cautioning against toxic online behavior.
He urged the friars not to engage in backbiting, spread false information, or contribute to negativity on social media, encouraging them instead to delete harmful content and protect trust within their communities.
The address formed part of the Annual National Retreat of the Custody of St. John the Baptist in Pakistan, held from July 26 to 31 at Portiuncula Friary in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city. The retreat coincided with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi and carried the theme, "800 Years of St. Francis' Death: Renewing Our Call to Minority and Brotherhood."
Fr. Victor Sawera, OFM, Custos of the Franciscan Custody in Pakistan, said the retreat offered friars an opportunity to renew their religious vocation and deepen their commitment to Franciscan values.
The retreat was led by Fr. Iftikhar Moon, OP, parish priest of St. John Baptist de La Salle Church in Multan, who guided reflections on humility, fraternity, peace, and faithful Gospel living.
He encouraged the friars to "begin again" each day through personal conversion, reminding them that the Franciscan vocation is rooted in simplicity, service, and continual renewal rather than routine.
The participants also took part in silent prayer, communal reflection, and small-group discussions on their spiritual lives and pastoral ministry.
Speaking at the conclusion of the retreat, Fr. Bernard Younas, OFM, said the gathering renewed the friars' spiritual strength and strengthened their commitment to parish ministry across Pakistan.
The retreat concluded with the friars returning to their ministries, carrying with them the FABC's call to become bridge-builders and witnesses of peace in both their local communities and the digital world.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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