Catholic media professionals from across Asia have renewed their commitment to promote “gentle communication” as a means to heal divisions and foster peace in the digital age, echoing Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day.
The SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025 brought together about 75 communicators from 11 countries from October 21 to 24 in the Philippines.
In their closing statement, delegates said they were “deeply touched by the call of Pope Francis” and recognized their mission to spread “the news of hope” and to “build peace in our communities.”
“Pope Francis emphasizes ‘Gentle Communication’ that disarms aggression and fosters dialogue. He wants us to spread the news of hope and build peace in our communities. He calls us to be humble and loving, patient and truthful,” the statement read.
Missionaries of hope in a changing media landscape
The assembly confronted the region’s “painful reality” — lives lost to war and conflict, children suffering from hunger and poverty, and young people “getting addicted to social media with irrelevant, sexual and violent content, and fake news.”
In response, the participants pledged to strengthen collaboration and “bring about attitudinal and behavioral change among the people towards the usage of media,” urging the production of more “value-based programs” that inspire engagement in purposeful communication.
They also recognized the “potential of Artificial Intelligence as the new industrial revolution,” calling communicators to become “missionaries of hope in this new media landscape.”
Stories and listening as foundations of peace
Following Pope Francis’ call, the statement underscored the need to share stories that humanize and unite rather than divide.
“Sharing stories is the foundation, and effective listening is the lifeline for all our [communication] efforts,” the participants declared.
They affirmed that media education “enlightens the mindset” and helps people become “well-informed and critical consumers of media content,” fostering relationships grounded in truth and compassion.
“We believe in communication with gentleness, fostering unity in diversity and serving the common good through all forms of media such as mass media, group media, folk media, and social media,” the statement said.
The communicators resolved to prioritize dialogue as a more transformative path to peace and trust.
“We resolve to focus more on dialogue over proclamation, and working together interdependently, building connections with messages of peace, harmony, and trust.”
