Pope's theme for World Communications Day 2011

Image source: DigistreamSaas

As happens each year, the Vatican announced on yesterday's Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the theme chosen by the pope for the 45th World Day of Social Communications which will be observed on June 5, 2011 (Ascension Day in much of the Catholic world although observed as the Seventh Sunday of Easter in these parts).

The theme for this year's observance:

Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age

An English-language note released by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications explains that the theme is "to be understood as focusing on the human person who is at the heart of all communicative processes. Even in an age that is largely dominated, and at times conditioned, by new technologies, the value of personal witness remains essential.

"To approach the truth and to take on the task of sharing it", the note adds, "requires the 'guarantee' of an authenticity of life from those who work in the media, and especially from Catholic journalists; an authenticity of life that is no less required in a digital age.

"Technology, on its own, cannot establish or enhance a communicator's credibility, nor can it serve as a source of the values which guide communication. The truth must remain the firm and unchanging point of reference of new media and the digital world, opening up new horizons of information and knowledge. Ideally, it is the pursuit of truth which constitutes the fundamental objective of all those who work in the media".

(For more information)

As is also customary, the text of the papal message will be released on January 24,  the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists.


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