Pope Chooses Theme for 45th World Communications Day

A Vatican communiqué announced today that this theme "is to be understood as focusing on the human person who is at the heart of all communicative processes. Even in an age that is largely dominated, and at times conditioned, by new technologies, the value of personal witness remains essential."

VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org) - Benedict XVI is promoting a reflection on the need for authenticity of life and truth among those who work in the media.

Thus, the Pope chose as a theme for World Communications Day 2011: "Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age."

A Vatican communiqué announced today that this theme "is to be understood as focusing on the human person who is at the heart of all communicative processes."

"Even in an age that is largely dominated, and at times conditioned, by new technologies, the value of personal witness remains essential," it noted.

The communiqué explained, "To approach the truth and to take on the task of sharing it requires the 'guarantee' of an authenticity of life from those who work in the media, and especially from Catholic journalists; an authenticity of life that is no less required in a digital age."

It pointed out that "technology, on its own, cannot establish or enhance a communicator's credibility, nor can it serve as a source of the values which guide communication."

"The truth must remain the firm and unchanging point of reference of new media and the digital world," the communiqué added, "opening up new horizons of information and knowledge."

It concluded, "Ideally, it is the pursuit of truth which constitutes the fundamental objective of all those who work in the media."

The text of Benedict XVI's message for the 45th World Communications Day will be released Jan. 24, on the feast of St. Francis De Sales, patron of journalists.

The World Communications Day is the only worldwide celebration established by the Second Vatican Council. It is observed in most countries the Sunday before Pentecost.