Coinciding with the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists on 24 January, Archbishop Eamon Martin (pictured above) welcomed the 59th annual message for World Day for Social Communications, issued by Pope Francis. The message, which carries the theme, ‘Share with gentleness the hope that is in your heart,’ calls for a more positive and hopeful approach to media communication.
Archbishop Martin highlighted that in his insightful reflection, the Holy Father specifically addresses the mission of the media and anyone engaged in communication in the digital space, whether personally or professionally. He emphasised that the message encourages communicators to infuse hope into their work, aligning with the broader theme of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. “At the heart of the message is the call to bring ‘hope’ into our communications, which complements our role as pilgrims of hope during this Jubilee Year,” Archbishop Martin explained.
The Primate of All Ireland also urged Irish media professionals to focus on sharing uplifting and positive stories. “I encourage all those working in media and journalism in Ireland to consider reporting and publishing opinion articles that offer hope and positivity to this island. There are so many stories around our country, North and South, where people bring joy and hope to others – these acts exemplify the very best of humanity,” he said.
However, Archbishop Martin also noted a concern expressed by Pope Francis about the prevalence of negativity in the media. “Too often today, communication generates not hope, but fear and despair, prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred,” he quoted the Pope’s message. He added, “I invite reporters to seek out and give a platform to such uplifting stories during this Year of Hope.”
Pope Francis also highlighted the destructive impact of toxic media commentary. “In today’s message, Pope Francis calls out the damaging effect of toxic commentary in the media which, far from being gentle, is ‘characterized by disinformation and polarization,’” Archbishop Martin remarked. The Pope calls on Christians to be courageous in promoting hope, even in the face of challenges.
Archbishop Martin concluded by echoing the Pope’s call for journalists to care for their personal wellbeing and always communicate with gentleness. “Pope Francis reminds journalists to be mindful of their interior life, to never forget the faces of others, and to spread hope, even when it is difficult,” he said. “We have a responsibility to communicate in ways that heal the wounds of humanity and build a better future together.”
To read Pope Francis’s message for the 59th World Day of Social Communications please click HERE
