Pope asks communicators to reflect on value of silence
January 24, 2012: Msgr. Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, presented on Tuesday morning the Pope's Message for the 46th World Communications Day on the theme: "Silence and the Word: path of evangelization.
“Learning to communicate is learning to listen and contemplate as well as speak. This is especially important for those engaged in the task of evangelization: both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church’s work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today’s world” said Pope Benedict XVI in his message released on 24th January, the feast day of St. Fracis de Sales, Patron of writers.
Reflecting on silence, the Pope said that silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves. By remaining silent we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself. In this way, space is created for mutual listening, and deeper human relationships become possible.
When word and silence become mutually exclusive, communication breaks down, when they complement one another, however, communication acquires value and meaning, the Pope explained.
Looking at the present day technological development in the field of communication, the Pontiff said that ‘The process of communication nowadays is largely fuelled by questions in search of answers. Search engines and social networks have become the starting point of communication for many people who are seeking advice, ideas, information and answers. And Internet is becoming ever more a forum for questions and answers.
The Pope suggested that attention should be paid to the various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer, meditation or sharing of the word of God.
Each year in his Message for World Communications Day, the Pope tries to analyze the culture of communication to provide suggestions to the man of today and to guide pastoral action of the Church. The Catholic celebration of World Communication Day is observed in most dioceses on the Sunday before Pentecost, which in 2012 falls on May 20.
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