Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholic communicators to ensure that digital media remains at the service of humanity, calling for communication rooted in truth, human dignity, peace, and care for creation as the first SIGNIS World Congress to be held in Africa opened in Rwanda.
The August 3–8 gathering of the World Catholic Association for Communication brings together hundreds of Catholic journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, and digital media professionals from more than 100 countries under the theme, "Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-Being."
In a message delivered by Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda Archbishop Arnaldo Sánchez Catalán, the pope expressed his spiritual closeness to participants and encouraged them to give "new impetus" to ensuring that communication platforms serve the good of the entire human family.
Pope Leo warned against a communication culture increasingly shaped by algorithms rather than authentic human encounter. He said digital communication today does more than transmit information, it shapes culture and influences how people understand reality.
Referring to his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the pope said digital communication helps form the collective conscience and urged communicators to promote truth, respect for human dignity, communion, peace, and environmental responsibility, inspired by Gospel values.
In a recorded message, Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, echoed the pope's concerns, warning that advances in artificial intelligence should never replace human wisdom or responsibility.
"We must never allow algorithms to write our story," Ruffini said, stressing that technology must remain under human direction. While AI can process information and imitate language, he said, it cannot replace wisdom born of freedom, experience, responsibility, and love.
He encouraged Catholic communicators to foster critical thinking, authentic dialogue, and meaningful human relationships rather than communication driven solely by profit or popularity.
Ruffini also called on SIGNIS to strengthen its identity as a global community of Catholic communication professionals united by faith and committed to ethical journalism and responsible media.
The Rwanda congress is the first SIGNIS World Congress to be hosted in Africa, reflecting the continent's growing contribution to the Church's communication ministry. Participants are discussing topics including artificial intelligence, media literacy, youth engagement, environmental communication, and the role of Catholic media in promoting reconciliation and cultural harmony.
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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