“Communication and Mercy: a fruitful encounter” is the theme for Pope Francis' message for the 50^th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated in many countries on Sunday, 8 May. In the message, published on Friday morning, 22 January, the Holy Father emphasized that “Emails, text messages, social networks and chats can also be fully human forms of communication.

It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal”. Communication, the Pope said, “has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, to heal wounded memories and thus to enrich society. How beautiful it is when people select their words and actions with care, in the effort to avoid misunderstandings, to heal wounded memories and to build peace and harmony. Words can build bridges between individuals and within families, social groups and peoples. This is possible both in the material world and the digital world. Our words and actions should be such as to help us all escape the vicious circles of condemnation and vengeance which continue to ensnare individuals and nations, encouraging expressions of hatred. The words of Christians ought to be a constant encouragement to communion and, even in those cases where they must firmly condemn evil, they should never try to rupture relationships and communication”.

Pope's message