Pope Francis has called upon Catholic communicators to collaborate in crafting a transformative model of communication that fosters hope and mutual understanding. Addressing Presidents of Episcopal Commissions for Communications and Directors of National Communications Offices gathered at the Vatican for the Jubilee of the World of Communication, he emphasized the Church’s mission to inspire harmony in a divided world.

Reflecting on the essence of communication, Pope invited participants to question whether their efforts inspire hope and counteract division. “Hope never disappoints; but do we know how to communicate that?” he asked, underscoring that Church communication goes beyond corporate marketing strategies. Instead, it is about proclaiming that “the kingdom of God is near” by spreading stories of goodness and resilience amidst the challenges of modern life.

Acknowledging the existence of evil, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of addressing it transparently. “Evil exists. It must not be hidden, but it should stir us and lead us to produce questions and answers,” he remarked, encouraging communicators to approach their vocation as an opportunity to share hope and positivity.

 Pope stressed the need for a “symphonic” approach to communication, engaging people across all demographics and creative expressions, including art, music, and images. This collaborative model, inspired by the Gospel, would present a counter-narrative to the “towers of Babel,” where “everyone speaks and does not understand each other.”

“Communicating is always original,” Pope explained. “It must be a model of communication that conveys harmony and proposes a concrete alternative to today’s towers of Babel.”

Pope Francis emphasized the words “together” and “network” as vital principles for Catholic communicators. He reminded them that authentic communication is “an act of love” rather than a pursuit of catchphrases or press releases. By rejecting divisive practices, communicators can create “networks of goodness” that uplift and inspire communities.

Reflecting on the biblical image of fishermen’s nets, Pope encouraged the use of collective skills and resources to provide truthful and hopeful information. While acknowledging the potential of modern technologies like artificial intelligence, he cautioned against idolizing them and urged a focus on human wisdom and discernment, or “natural intelligence.”

Pope Francis also pointed out that the Church’s communicative strength lies in trusting God rather than promoting individual achievements. “Instead of being seduced by the sterile sirens of self-promotion… let us consider how we can build together a tale of hope,” he said. Drawing from the Gospel account of Simon Peter’s miraculous catch, he encouraged perseverance in spreading joy and hope.

In conclusion, Pope emphasized that Catholic communication should extend beyond the Church to engage the broader world. “We must let the Lord come out,” he urged, reminding communicators not to confine their mission within the Church but to create welcoming spaces for genuine relationships and testimony.

“Many times, the Lord knocks from within so that we, Christians, let him come out,” Pope Francis said. “We must let the Lord come out—and not enslave him a little for our services.”

This inspiring message calls Catholic communicators to be agents of hope, unity, and transformation in a world yearning for meaningful connections and understanding.