By Wesley Omondi
VATICAN CITY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 (CISA)- Pope Francis has chosen the theme ‘Share With Gentleness The Hope That Is In Your Hearts’ for the 59th World Communications Day, scheduled for 2025. This theme, rooted in 1 Peter 3:15-16, declares the urgent need to shift communication away from aggression and towards gentleness, compassion, and dialogue, in a world where communication often turns into conflict, the Pope calls for a new approach- one that promotes peace and understanding.
“Today too often communication is violent, aimed at striking and not at establishing the conditions for dialogue. It is therefore necessary to disarm communication, to cleanse it of aggression,” explained the announcement from the Holy See Press Office.
The Holy Father’s message focuses on the current state of media and social networks, where debates often turn into battles, and opposing views are considered enemies to be defeated. From heated television talk shows to the divisive nature of online discourse, there is a growing concern that communication is becoming more about domination and less about meaningful engagement. The Pope urges everyone, especially Christians, to shift this paradigm.
At the heart of the Pope’s message is the Christian understanding of hope, personified in Christ. Pope Francis emphasizes that Christian hope cannot exist in isolation—it is tied to a community that embodies the message of Jesus. Such a community must communicate the hope of Christ both through their actions and their words, making it evident to the world that this hope is alive today. The Pope’s call is for Christians to live in a way that reflects the hope of Christ, fostering environments where dialogue can thrive.
“For us Christians, hope is a person, and He is Christ. And it is always linked to a community project; when we speak of Christian hope we cannot disregard a community that lives the message of Jesus in such a credible way as to give a glimpse of the hope that it brings, and is capable of communicating the hope of Christ with deeds and words even today,” stated the Holy Father.
In his message, Pope Francis not only addresses the Church but also the global community. He invites all to reflect on how communication can either build bridges or destroy them, urging individuals and institutions alike to prioritize gentleness and empathy in their conversations. As the 2025 World Communications Day approaches, the theme invites everyone to reconsider how they share their thoughts and messages, particularly in an era where words hold immense power.
“The theme of the upcoming World Communications Day draws attention to the fact that today too often communication is violent, aimed at striking and not at establishing the conditions for dialogue,” he posited.
