Jubilee of Communication Unites 10,000 Global Professionals in Rome

Vatican, January 25, 2025: Ten thousand communication professionals, from young adults to CEOs, inaugurated the Holy Year’s first jubilee event with the Jubilee of the World of Communication, held from January 24-26. This global gathering commenced with a penitential liturgy at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists and writers, marking the start of a three-day program dedicated to fostering dialogue and hope through storytelling.

The event, organized by the Dicastery for Communication, celebrated the power of communication to bridge divides. On January 25, participants made a pilgrimage to the Holy Door, followed by a special audience with Pope Francis in the Paul VI Hall. The Jubilee concludes on January 26 with the "Sunday of the Word of God" Mass, and will be presided over by the Holy Father at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Highlighting the theme of hope, the Prefect of the Dicastery emphasized the transformative role of communication in building relationships. “Hope is not an illusion but the drive that makes us believe our words, stories, and images can connect with others,” he stated.

The event also featured insights from renowned communicators, including Colum McCann, author and co-founder of Narrative 4, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler. McCann stressed the power of storytelling as a unifying force, saying, “The shortest distance between any people is a story. Understanding someone else’s narrative is fundamental to democracy and belonging.”

Ressa echoed this sentiment, underscoring the responsibility of influencers and journalists to communicate truthfully and connect with real people in a shared reality. She emphasized that shared values and authentic dialogue lie at the heart of effective communication.

Pope Francis, a strong advocate for meaningful communication, has consistently urged communicators to combat loneliness, give voice to the voiceless, and uphold the truth. The Jubilee of the World of Communication encapsulated this mission, demonstrating the power of storytelling to inspire, unite, and build hope across the globe.

Courtesy: Vatican News