Artificial intelligence is transforming the media landscape, but Church communication must remain centered on people, not technology, said Father John Mi Shen, the new Executive Secretary of the Office of Social Communication (OSC) of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).
“AI is only a tool,” he said. “The heart of communication remains the human person. Relationships, discernment, and authenticity cannot be automated.”
In an interview with the Sunday Examiner of the Diocese of Hong Kong, Fr. Mi emphasized that while artificial intelligence is already helping Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) with “translating, transcribing, archiving, and content creation,” its role must remain supportive—not central.
“We must use AI responsibly. If we over-rely on it, we risk losing the personal voice of the Church,” he said. “At RVA, our goal is to ensure AI serves the mission, not the other way around. The Church needs communicators who are both tech-savvy and spiritually grounded.”
New leadership rooted in media ministry
A native of mainland China and a longtime pastoral communicator, Fr. Mi was appointed to lead the FABC’s communication office after more than a decade with RVA.
Since joining the Manila-based regional Catholic broadcaster in 2012 as Mandarin Service coordinator, he has risen to programme director and now oversees the FABC’s broader communication efforts across Asia.
He described his appointment as “a continuation of my mission to serve the Church through media, with gratitude and faith.”
Fr. Mi’s journey into media began as a young boy listening to RVA. “I was five-years-old when I first listened to RVA’s Mandarin programmes in the arms of my grandfather. That daily habit laid the foundation for my understanding of faith and the Church,” he recalled.
Rebuilding trust after institutional tensions
Fr. Mi also addressed recent tensions between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and FABC over RVA’s direction, framing the dispute as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“Like many Church institutions going through change, RVA has experienced moments of tension and transition,” he said. “At the heart of the recent issues were different visions and communication gaps—natural challenges when working across cultures and leadership structures.”
“But I don’t see it as a crisis so much as a moment for reflection and renewal,” he added. “This experience reminded me that our mission is not about positions or institutions, but about serving the Church in Asia through clear, compassionate, and creative communication.”
He stressed that “listening and dialogue” are essential to moving forward. “There is real hope… Many desire a renewal of trust and collaboration, rooted in humility and synodality. RVA’s future must be one of deeper communion with the FABC—faithful to our identity as a media ministry serving the Church in Asia.”
Future vision: A digital missionary community
Looking ahead, Fr. Mi said he hopes to transform RVA into “a dynamic platform of networking, where stories and experiences across Asia are shared and appreciated.”
“We are a continent rich in diversity—languages, cultures, contexts—and we need platforms that connect rather than divide,” he said. “I also hope RVA becomes a hub for both reliable Catholic news and the formation of young communicators, rooted in gospel values and equipped for today’s digital world.”
“Media is not just about broadcasting; it’s about accompanying, mentoring, and empowering,” he added. “Ultimately, I dream of RVA becoming a true digital missionary community—one that listens, engages, and journeys with people where they are.”
Promoting unity through Catholic media
Fr. Mi said that greater collaboration among Catholic media organizations in Asia is not only feasible, but critical.
“Collaboration is not just possible—it is necessary,” he said. “Across Asia, we have countless creative and committed Catholic communicators, each serving in different contexts. Imagine what we can do together: joint training programmes, co-produced content, regional media forums. The diversity of Asia is not a barrier—it’s our treasure.”
“I believe RVA can be a meeting point for this, a platform where ideas, stories, and dreams converge,” he said. “Collaboration is more than a strategy—it’s a sign of communion. That gives me great hope for the Church in Asia.”
