Pope John Paul II, in his message for the World Day of Social Communications, envisioned the media as a powerful tool for promoting peace and understanding. He saw its potential to bridge cultural divides and foster empathy across borders. Today, in a world dominated by technology, this vision remains as relevant as ever. ‘Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom of the Heart: towards a fully human communication’ is the theme for 58th World Day of Social Communication. Wisdom of the heart is the virtue that allows us to integrate all aspects of our existence—the whole and its parts, our decisions and their consequences, our nobility and vulnerability. It bridges our individuality with our membership in a larger community. This wisdom anticipates those who desire it and seeks out those who are worthy of it (Wisdom 6:12-16). The rapid spread of innovations, often beyond our full understanding, excites and disorients us. Today, the world is at our fingertips. Communication is faster and more accessible than ever before. Yet, with this ease of connection comes a new challenge: what message are we sending? The paradox of the modern media landscape is undeniable. The very tools that connect us can also serve to divide. Digital platforms can become breeding grounds for hate speech, violence, and negativity. They exploit our vulnerabilities, feeding us a steady stream of instant gratification and manufactured outrage. In this whirlwind, critical thinking takes a backseat, replaced
Ever since the BJP came to power at the centre under the prime ministership of Narendra Modi, violent attacks by the Hindutva organizations on the Church personnel and institutions have been increasing. Even in the middle of elections to the Lok Sabha there is no respite from such attacks. The latest is the attack on St. Mother Theresa School managed by the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Telangana’s Mancherial district. Saffron clad Hindutva groups on April 16 damaged the school and assaulted the manager, a priest. Videos of the brutal attack were circulated on social media. The reason for the violent attack appears to be flimsy. The principal noticed two days back that some students had worn saffron attire to school. When he asked the students about this, they replied that they were observing Hanuman Deeksha, a 21-day ritual. The principal then asked them to bring their parents to school so that he can discuss the issue with them. The issue escalated when someone shared a video on social media and claimed that the principal was not allowing Hindu attire on campus. It resulted in mobs in saffron clothes rushing to the school and indulging in violence. Videos show the police struggling to control the mob. An NDTV report says a case has been registered against the school management for hurting the Hindu sentiments, but no mention about any case against the hooligans who destroyed the school property and attacked the principal, causing injuries to him.
The much-awaited Vatican Declaration on Human Dignity was issued on April 8 by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.While the instructions on sex and gender grabbed the headlines globally, the document has several aspects of human dignity that have focused on critically significant concerns that need greater attention and implementation.Besides an introductory ‘Presentation’ drafted by Cardinal Fernadez, the document consists of 66 numbered paragraphs as well as 116 footnotes which only illustrates how diverse sources enriched it. The writings and speeches of Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis are cited all along, apart from the other magisterial texts.The Prefect of DDF remarks that the Declaration has been in the making for at least five years, and it is out only after numerous consultations and drafts. The long process, in which several times Pope Francis got involved, ‘reflects the gravity and centrality of the theme of dignity in Christian thought,’ the cardinal noted.Happily, the publication of Dignitas Infinita (on Human Dignity) coincides with the 75th anniversary of ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights,’ issued by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.After explaining how Dignity is central to Christian thought and how the Church constantly strives to proclaim, promote and guarantee human dignity, it states that human dignity is the fountain from which rights and dut
Last year, as part of a grassroots consultation for the Synod on Synodality. I was invited to an international conference organized by Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram (Pontifical Athenaeum) Bengaluru, and asked to speak on: “What can I do to make the Indian Church more Synodal?” My spontaneous response was one word: “Nothing!” because the structures of the Church do not permit synodality. We have a hierarchy in place, which is purportedly divinely instituted, making all decision-making and leadership in the Church the preserve of the clergy. Canon law ensures that this inequality is maintained. The non-ordained can only function within parameters defined by the ordained, making it impossible to journey together as “co-responsible collaborators” as there can be no co-responsibility without equality. Even in the 21st century, when across the world special efforts are being made to include women at the table that sets the agenda, women are still excluded from key decisions in the Catholic Church. They may be in parish councils but they have little say in how the parish is run. Sacramental ordination is denied to them because of a humiliating trivialisation of their God-given vocations. Only in exceptional cases are women allowed to preach. In pastoral work women continue to encounter resistance, and whatever authority they have is derived from the “permission” of the parish priest or bishop. They suffer abuse by men in the Church and are denied justice and even comp