On the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists, Pope Leo published his first message for the 60th World Communications Day, which is celebrated every year in May. This Day was instituted during the Second Vatican Council, together with the publication of the first document Inter mirifica, dedicated to the wonders of the means of social communication.
In 2026 it would be unthinkable for organisations to carry out their mission without social and digital communication media and spaces. How many meetings do we hold each week thanks to Zoom and other platforms? How many trips do we save today thanks to the Internet?
The challenge of information
The theme of the message is: “Safeguarding human voices and faces”. From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Leo has shown special attention to the challenges of the world of information and technology, particularly to the issue of artificial intelligence.
“By simulating human voices and faces, wisdom and knowledge, conscience and responsibility, empathy and friendship, the systems known as artificial intelligence not only interfere with information ecosystems, but also invade the deepest level of communication: that of relationships between people”.
On artificial intelligence
Pope Leo’s invitation urges us to become well acquainted with the world of artificial intelligence and to use it with care and awareness, becoming more attentive to human voices and faces, so as not to lose those elements that remind us of our humanity: fragile and vulnerable, yet profoundly our own.
“For some time now, there has been ample evidence that algorithms designed to maximise engagement on social networks —profitable for the platforms— reward quick emotions and instead penalise human expressions that require time, such as the effort to understand and to reflect. By enclosing groups of people in bubbles of easy consensus and easy indignation, these algorithms weaken the capacity for listening and critical thinking and increase social polarisation”.
Understanding how information and communication work, and educating our members and young people in critical thinking, is a shared responsibility that the UMOFC takes seriously. For this reason, in 2026 we will offer our members free workshops on digital communication, in order to strengthen this area and thus use it as a tool of unity among organisations.
WUCWO recognises the importance of communication in strengthening bonds and collaboration among its members, as well as in transforming lives and empowering women around the world.
