Pope Leo XIV urges Catholic media to be “sowers of good words,” fostering reconciliation, truth, and compassion in a polarized world shaped by AI.
Newsroom (22/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a world increasingly fractured by polarization and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV has called upon Catholic journalists and media professionals to become instruments of peace, reconciliation, and spiritual authenticity. His message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was addressed to the French Catholic Media Federation on the occasion of the 29th edition of the Days of St. Francis de Sales, held in Lourdes from January 21 to 23.
The Pope urged Catholic communicators to give voice to those who suffer, to those working for peace, and to those whose stories rarely make headlines. “I encourage you to be sowers of good words, amplifiers of voices that courageously seek reconciliation by disarming hearts of hatred and fanaticism,” his message read.
Communication in a Fragmented Age
Calling for compassion in a time marked by division, Pope Leo described Catholic media professionals as “antennae” — attuned to the experiences of the weak, marginalized, and lonely. In a fragmented and polarized world, he urged them to relay the hopes and hardships of those who long for the joy of being loved.
The annual Days of St. Francis de Sales gathering, organized by the Fédération des Médias Catholiques, brings together journalists from around the world to reflect on the mission and ethics of Catholic communication. St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists, embodied a vision of gentle persuasion and intelligent faith — values that resonate deeply with Pope Leo’s call for “disarmed and disarming communication.”
Truth and the Human Heart
Pope Leo’s message also addressed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the domain of communication. “To face this era marked by the emergence of artificial intelligence, it is urgent to return to the reasons of the heart, to the centrality of good relationships, and to the ability to draw closer to others, without excluding anyone,” he said.
The Pope emphasized that the Catholic media’s “service of truth” must remain open to all — believers and non-believers alike — offering a human-centered alternative to the cold logic of algorithms. This year’s event theme, What responsibility do Catholic media have in a polarized world?, resonated strongly with the pontiff’s appeal for compassionate storytelling and honest journalism.
Words That Heal and Unite
Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has highlighted the power of language to either heal or harm. He has consistently warned against the “war of words and images” that fuels conflicts and distorts reality. Instead, he called for language that builds communities, mends divisions, and restores dignity to those cast aside.
“We need words that heal the wounds of life,” he said. “Words that build communities where enmity separates people and peoples.” His vision for Catholic media is not merely to inform but to transform — to become an agent of peace rooted in truth and mercy.
The Witness of Father Jacques Hamel
In his remarks, Pope Leo invoked the memory of Father Jacques Hamel, the French priest murdered by terrorists in 2016 during Mass in Normandy. Father Hamel, he said, stands as an enduring symbol of faith and dialogue, and his example remains a guiding light for all who seek to bridge divisions.
The French Catholic Media Federation annually awards a prize in Father Hamel’s name to journalists who promote peace and interreligious understanding. For Pope Leo, his life and death testify to the urgency of building relationships rooted in love rather than fear. “Father Hamel was convinced that it is urgent to show closeness to others, without exception,” the Pope reflected. “To get to know one another, we must meet without letting ourselves be frightened by our differences.”
A Call to Disarm the Heart
Closing his message, Pope Leo XIV invited Catholic communicators to become “seekers of truth in the love that explains everything,” shaping narratives that reconcile rather than divide, that comfort rather than condemn.
“May his example encourage you,” he concluded, “to be artisans of a word that embraces, of a communication capable of bringing together what is broken, of a balm for the wounds of humanity.”
In an age when digital speed often outpaces discernment, Pope Leo’s words serve as both a caution and a commission: to ensure that communication remains an act of love — a way to illuminate truth, bridge divides, and heal the human spirit.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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