In a bid to empower Catholics and Christians in general with the skills and values necessary for effective and responsible communication, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on all to embrace Pope Francis’ vision that fostering media literacy and promoting gentle communication can build bridges of understanding, promote peace, and inspire hope. The charge was given by Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President, CBCN, while delivering his address, titled, “2025 ComWEEK: Bearing hope in seeming hopeless moment”, for the celebration of the 2025 Communications week (ComWEEK), holding from May 25 to June 1.
Archbishop Iwejuru said forming the skill for a mature digital presence informed the CBCN’s decision to initiate the annual Communications Week as he encouraged priests, heads of ecclesiastical institutions, leaders of sodality groups, families, and individuals to participate fully. He urged all to explore what it means to share hope with gentleness, learn from each other, support one another, and become agents of hope, adding that in a world plagued by aggression, division, and despair, the Pope reminds us that authentic communication transcends information transmission, focusing on sharing hope, kindness, and compassion. In his address, entitled, “2025 ComWEEK: Gentle witnesses in a revolving digital world,” Most Rev. David Ajang, CBCN Chairman for Social Communications tasked Catholics to reflect on the importance of sharing their faith and hope with gentleness in the digital age.
Bishop Ajang said the theme chosen by the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, is a timely reminder of the need for kindness, empathy, and respect in our online interactions. Acording to the Bishop, as Pope Francis notes, ‘The digital continent is a place where we can encounter one another, share our stories and hopes, and build relationships that transcend borders and boundaries.’ This insight highlights the vast potential of digital media to bring people together and to share the message of hope and love that is at the heart of our faith.” On the week-long programme, he said each day’s reflection is designed to help us deepen our understanding of the role of digital media in our lives and to aid us to use these powerful tools to share the love and mercy of Christ with all those around us.
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, National Director of Social Communications called on Catholics to re-examine the manner they engage with others online, and to consider how best they can turn their digital interactions to avenues of hope and inspiration for those around them, in an age where digital communication has become an integral part of their daily lives. He urged parishes, families, groups and individuals to use the ComWEEK Daily Manual with well-articulated basic media literacy programme as a guide in their reflections every day of the whole week from Sunday, May 25 to Sunday, June 1, 2025. The theme for the 2025 World Communication Day is, “Share with Gentleness the Hope that is in your Heart.”
