LEONE XIV. A ROARING START BETWEEN MASS MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND PEACE

We have heard prophetic words, who are not only addressed to information professionals, But to each of us. Because everyone, today, we communicate. We do it in the family, at work, sui social, in communities. And every word, each image, every silence... is a fragment of culture, it is a choice of peace or conflict. The Pope told us that «peace begins with how we look, let's listen, let's talk about others".

Author:
Gabriele Giordano M. Scardocci, o.p.

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It seems like, at least initially, the Catholic world has welcomed the words of the new Roman Pontiff with attention and hope, Leone XIV, especially in his early speeches.

photo by Domenico Cippitelli European Affairs, edition of 12.05.2025

For example, addressing the journalists gathered in Rome for the Conclave, the Holy Father launched a message of profound simplicity and extraordinary relevance: a pressing invitation to embrace "disarmed communication", authentic and constructive, capable of building bridges of peace in an era marked by divisions and conflicts. This appeal is not only aimed at information professionals, but to every man and woman, called to reflect on the transformative power of words and their impact in creating a more peaceful future for all humanity. I would like some’ talk about some ideas that the Holy Father has initiated in my personal theological reflection and share them with all of you.

«Blessed are the Peacemakers»: The Theological Foundation. Pope Leo XIV's appeal to communicate peace has its roots in the heart of the Gospel. His speech opened with a powerful quotation of bliss: «Blessed are the peacemakers» (Mt 5,9). This is not a simple exhortation, but a promise of happiness and a definition of those who are truly children of God. The Successor of Peter made it clear that the peace of Christ is not an absence of conflict or the result of oppression, but a "gift that looks at people and reactivates their life". It is a peace made of reconciliation, forgiveness and the courage to start again.

In this light, unarmed communication proves to be an essential tool for actively building this dynamic and transformative peace. Our words have the power to heal wounds, to rebuild broken relationships and instill hope in those who have lost it. To be “peacemakers” in our daily communication it therefore means responding to a divine call, actively contributing to the realization of the Kingdom of God on earth.

A Special Appeal to Journalists: Guardians of the Truth and Sowers of Peace. The Supreme Pontiff Leo XIV paid particular attention to journalists, to mass media operators, recognizing their crucial role in shaping public opinion and describing the complexity of our time. He thanked them for their service to the truth, especially in delicate moments like the Conclave. However, This recognition is accompanied by a clear exhortation to responsibility. He asked journalists to embrace a "communication of peace", eschewing aggressive language and the logic of the "war of words and images". A particularly poignant moment of the speech was the memory of journalists imprisoned for seeking and reporting the truth. Pope Leo XIV expressed the Church's solidarity and asked for their release, underlining how only an informed people can make free and informed choices. In this way, the Pontiff not only recognizes the fundamental role of the media, but it invests them with an ethical mission of primary importance in building a more just and peaceful society.

Artificial Intelligence: immense potential that requires discernment. In his attentive look at the challenges of the contemporary world, Pope Leo XIV placed particular and initial attention on the topic of artificial intelligence. He recognized its "immense potential", capable of transforming communication and offering benefits to humanity. However, he also underlined the need for "discernment" and shared "responsibility" in its use, so that this instrument remains at the service of the common good and does not become "inhuman".

This reminder highlights the Church's awareness of rapid technological evolutions and its willingness to guide these transformations with wisdom and attention to the fundamental values ​​of human dignity. The technology, so, it is not seen as a threat, but as a new "space to evangelize with intelligence and love".

Technology aimed at charity escapes algocracy: to the power of algorithms to process data to control minds and men. An AI is a working machine for man who seeks love in God. There is no logic of control and domination, but service.

«We Are the Times»: Saint Augustine's Exhortation to Personal Responsibility. At the conclusion of his speech, Pope Leo XIV quoted a very profound phrase from Saint Augustine: “We live well, and times will be good. We are the times". This statement reminds us that we are not simply spectators of our time, but active protagonists in its construction. The quality of time we experience is directly connected to the way we live, to our choices, to our words.

This call for individual responsibility it is particularly significant in the context of the call for peace communication. Every time we choose to communicate truthfully, love and respect, Let's help make times "good". We must not passively wait for a better future, but to commit ourselves to the present to build it through our actions and our way of relating to others.

Communication as Creation of Culture and Act of Charity. Pope Leo XIV's vision of communication goes beyond the simple transmission of information. He considers it a powerful tool for creating a culture of dialogue, of meeting and peace.¹ The Pontiff stated that «communication, indeed, it's not just information transmission, but it is the creation of a culture, of human and digital environments that become spaces for dialogue and discussion". In this perspective, the act of communicating almost becomes a "mission", a "form of charity".

This echoes the thinking of his predecessor, Pope francesco, who has repeatedly underlined the importance of "disarming communication" and building a "culture of encounter", invites us to consider communication not as a neutral activity, but as a moral and spiritual commitment that has the power to build bridges of brotherhood and spread the values ​​of the Gospel in the world.

A Journey Together Towards Peace. A path towards the peace of Christ teaches us that speaking is also a mission, it is a form of charity. So what, as the Pope says: let's disarm communication... and build peace. This is just the beginning of a journey that Pope Leo XIV invites us to travel together: that of unarmed communication, Evangelica, vera.

We have heard prophetic words, who are not only addressed to information professionals, But to each of us. Because everyone, today, we communicate. We do it in the family, at work, sui social, in communities. And every word, each image, every silence... is a fragment of culture, it is a choice of peace or conflict. The Pope told us that «peace begins with how we look, let's listen, let's talk about others". This is a spiritual revolution. A change of outlook that can transform our relationships, our parishes, our working environments. It's not about being "do-gooders", but to be "good according to the Gospel", capable of a style that doesn't scream, does not attack, but it sows confidence.

So what, what communication do we want to build? A communication that defends the truth with love, which is neither ideological nor superficial, but deep and free. A communication "that never separates truth from charity", as Saint Paul says. A communication that knows how to become a voice for those who have no voice, who does not allow himself to be seduced by power, but he chooses the weakness of the Cross as the language of salvation.

The Holy Father Leo XIV also speaks to us about "technology", and in particular artificial intelligence, which he defines as an "immense instrument". Also here, it's not about being afraid, but to exercise "discernment". Evangelization also passes through these new spaces: but he must do it wisely, safeguarding the dignity of the person. And then… that final step, so Augustinian: «We are the times». We don't have to wait for better times. «We make them so», every time we choose the truth, forgiveness, hope.

So let's ask ourselves, really, with sincerity: «what times do we want to build in the world today?» A time of fear or trust? A sterile or generative time? The Pope asks us to be "witnesses of a new culture", of a Church that does not close itself but dialogues, who does not fight but accompanies, which does not impose but illuminates. A Church that communicates peace because it lives in peace. And so do we, we want to walk in this direction: offer content that nourishes faith, that they build a thinking and praying community, capable of inhabiting the world with the style of the Gospel.

Let us always remember this: «to go to Heaven, we need to start building it together, here and now". Let's do it together with Pope Leo.

Santa Maria Novella in Florence, 22 May 2025

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