COMMUNICATING HOPE IN A DIGITAL WORLD

This weekend (1 June 2025), the Church celebrates the 59th World Day of Social Communications, which carries the theme chosen by the late Pope Francis: “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15-16). This message, released on 24 January 2024, speaks about how modern communication, especially on social media, has become aggressive, divisive, and manipulative. The late Pope warned that this kind of communication creates conflict, division, spreads confusion, and digital distraction, which weakens our sense of community and care for one another.

Pope Francis called for a “disarming” of communication. For example, people often argue or insult others online without knowing them. Pope Francis invites us to change this by becoming gentle and respectful in how we speak, share, and engage in dialogue rooted in respect and truth. He challenged journalists and communicators to become “communicators of hope,” witnessing to Christ not just through words but through lives marked by gentleness and presence.

The late Pope highlighted three key points: first, Christian hope is found in the risen Christ; second, this hope must be shared through lived witness; and third, our communication must be marked by reverence, humility, and compassion. He envisioned a form of communication that builds bridges, spreads goodness, and heals wounds. We should emphasise stories of kindness and utilise our communication to support others, particularly those who are marginalised, during this Jubilee Year of Hope.

In continuity with this vision, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV spoke about the Church’s role in guiding us through the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Just as Pope Leo XIII responded with his famous letter, Rerum Novarum (on capital and Labour), Pope Leo XIV asserts that the Church must now address the new challenge posed by AI. The Church needs to clarify its stance on the impact of AI on people’s dignity, justice, and employment.

Pope Leo XIV affirmed that AI must serve the common good and human fraternity, echoing Pope Francis’ earlier call to avoid a “technological dictatorship.” Pope Leo reminds us not to allow technology to replace our relationships or values. AI can help write documents or translate languages, but it cannot show love, kindness, or truly understand our pain. We should use technology wisely and always remember what makes us human.

Referring again to Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIV highlights two important things for AI: first, everyone has the right to meaningful work, and second, people’s ideas and creations should be respected. These ideas are crucial to ensure that AI does not exploit workers or devalue human creativity. For instance, if an artist creates a song, AI should not copy it without credit. If a worker loses their job to a machine, society must help protect their dignity and assist them in finding new opportunities.

The Church and society encourage us to use communication, whether through media or technology, to connect with others instead of creating division. As we face digital change, we are called to be sources of hope, using all tools, including media and AI, to support truth, peace, and the dignity of every person.