Pope Francis has chosen the theme for the Church’s next World Communications Day, calling for a peaceful dialogue that allows for uncomfortable truths to be spoken of without resorting to hostile debate. Source: NCR Online.
Speaking the truth “means giving ‘a reason for your hope’ and doing so gently, using the gift of communication as a bridge and not as a wall,” the Vatican said when it announced the theme of World Communications Day 2023.
Each year, the Vatican and many dioceses mark World Communications Day on the Sunday before Pentecost. In 2023, it will be celebrated on May 21.
Pope Francis has chosen “Speak with the heart: Veritatem facientes in caritate” (Speaking the truth in love) as the theme.
The Vatican will publish the Pope’s full message for the occasion on January 24, the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.
The Pope’s theme for World Communications Day highlights the need for Christians to “go against the grain” in both ordinary and Church life at a time when heated debates often “exacerbate tempers”, the Vatican said.
“We must not fear to state that at times uncomfortable truth that finds its foundation in the Gospel, but we must not separate this proclamation from a style of mercy, of sincere participation in the joys and sufferings of people of our time, as the Gospel page that narrates the dialogue between the mysterious wayfarer and the disciples of Emmaus teaches us in a sublime way,” the statement said.
In choosing the theme, it said, Francis also wanted to show that in the global conflicts afflicting the world, “non-hostile communication is more necessary than ever”.
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Vatican announces theme for World Communications Day (By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS via NCR Online)
