“Speak with the heart: Veritatem facientes in caritate” (Doing the truth in charity), on this theme, Pope Francis has appealed to communicators to always speak from the heart, and find the right words to build a better civilization in his message on the 57th World Day of Social Communications, observed the Sunday before Pentecost.
The Vatican published Pope Francis’ Message on 24 January, the Feast of St. Francis De Sales, the patron saint of journalists.
The World Day of Social Communications will be observed by the Vatican and Dioceses around the world on the Sunday before Pentecost, which falls this year on 21 May.
This year’s message urges communicators to communicate cordially and never pursue hostile communications.
In a world that “so inclined towards indifference and indignation, at times even on the basis of disinformation which falsifies and exploits the truth,” the Pope says it is particularly important there is space for proclaiming the truth, “even if at times it is uncomfortable.”
The Pope calls for words capable of doing good for others and of touching even the “most hardened of hearts.”
He exhorts communicators, even in our dramatic global climate, to convey the “gentle strength of love.”
While the message is primarily geared toward those working in communications, the Pope highlighted that everyone has the responsibility to communicate “with an open heart and arms.”