Pope Francis sent a message to this year’s Catholic Media Conference (30 June-2 July), organised by the Catholic Press Association. The event was held via teleconferencing for the first time, centred on the topic ‘Together While Apart.’

In his message, the Pontiff notes that the pandemic is evidence of how essential the media are in keeping people united, but only if they are “capable of building bridges, defending life and breaking down the walls.”

The theme of the conference “expresses the sense of togetherness that emerged, paradoxically, from the experience of social distancing imposed by the pandemic. Indeed, the experience of these past months has shown how essential is the mission of the communications media for bringing people together, shortening distances, providing necessary informa-tion, and opening minds and hearts to truth.”

What is more, “our communities count on newspapers, radio, TV and social media to share, to communicate, to inform and to unite. E pluribus unum– the ideal of unity amid diversity, reflected in the motto of the United States, must also inspire the service you offer to the common good.”
“We need media capable of building bridges, defending life and breaking down the walls, visible and invisible, that prevent sincere dialogue and truthful communication between individuals and communities.”