by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Catholic Communicators of Signis World Congress recently gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to brainstorm on digital communication platforms for effective results.
The congress was urged to use digital communication platforms available to them to promote the common good, human dignity, truth and environmental stewardship.
Pope Leo XIV disclosed this during the opening of the first-ever Signis World Congress in Africa World Congress in Kigali Rwanda recently, in his massage to the delegates, and was represented by the Apostolic Nuncio of Rwanda, Archbishop Arnaldo Sánchez Catalán, with a theme: ‘Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-Being.’
In the message, sent through Pietro Cardinal Parolin, who is Secretary of State of the Holy See, the Pope expressed his spiritual closeness to participants, and prayed that their deliberations would provide “a new impetus” for ensuring that communication platforms serve the common good of the human family.
He warned against a communication culture increasingly shaped by algorithms rather than genuine human encounter, and stated that, the digital age has transformed everyday life, emphasizing that online communication goes beyond the transmission of information.
Also speaking, President of the SIGNIS World Congress, Helen Oseman, warned against rapid technological changes that are unfolding at a time when democracy, freedom of expression, the environment, and human dignity is under increasing pressure.
She stressed the need for Catholic Communicators to strengthen their collaboration in responding to the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, AI.
According to her, “There is the need for a strong network of communicators dedicated to transforming our cultures, in the light of the Gospel, and promoting human dignity, justice, and reconciliation.”
She noted that, “Our daily work is being radically transformed by the AI revolution, now, more than ever, in a world where democracy, freedom of expression – whether through religious freedom or freedom of the press, adding that, “environment and, our understanding of the dignity of the human person, are all under enormous pressure.”
The President further described scenario as “serious family concerns,” and commended the delegates, who are over 300 from over 100 countries across five continents, taking part in the Congress.
According to her, their gathering is an opportunity for collaboration among Catholic communicators and Vatican institutions, and expressed gratitude to the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization for their continued partnership with SIGNIS.
Helen Oseman maintained that, their mission is to engage with media professionals, support Catholic communicators, and help transform their cultures, in the light of the Gospel, by promoting human dignity, justice, and reconciliation, and noted that, “SIGNIS continues to bring together professionals in radio, television, cinema, video, media education, and digital communication.
“Among the African countries represented at the Congress, which is being held under the theme, ‘Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-Being,’ are Rwanda as host, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Nigeria, Togo, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Zambia, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Benin, South Africa, and Mozambiqu, US, Italy, and India, among others,” she stated.
Also speaking, the President of SIGNIS Africa, Fr. Walter Chekwendu Ihejirika, who described Africa’s opportunity to host the 2026 World SIGNIS as historic, attributing the milestone to the growth of the Church in Africa, inspired by decades of missionary evangelization.
He exclaimed that, “This is the first time in history that the World Congress is being held on the African continent,” which he said “it underscores the fact that the Church in Africa is truly growing and maturing. No wonder, the Church in Africa today is being referred to as the “Church of hope.”
He said, with the approval of ecclesiastical authorities and guidance from national offices of communication, SIGNIS Africa “has been able to provide the continental platform that brings together numerous priests, religious, lay men and women, and young people, who are actively engaged in communication and media activities, both within and beyond the continent.”
While thanking the Vatican Dicasteries for Evangelization and Communication for their continued support to SIGNIS, Fr. Ihejirika also acknowledged the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) for providing the needed paternal support, and also expressed gratitude to the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda and the Country’s civil authorities for their support in hosting the Congress.