Pope sends message to SIGNIS World Congress 2014

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message of blessing and encouragement to the participants of the SIGNIS World Congress 2014.

The Congress takes place in Rome from 25 February to 1 March on the theme "Media for a Culture of peace: Creating Images with the New Generation".

In his message to the Congress, Pope Francis declared his satisfaction that “the Congress will reflect on the communicative power of the images which through the mass media are expressing and shaping the experiences, hopes and concerns of rising generations”.

“In a globalized world in which new cultures, with new languages and symbols, are constantly being born, and a new common imagination is emerging,” continued the Pope, “Catholic communicators are increasingly challenged to present the wisdom, truth and beauty of the Gospel in a language capable of touching the minds and hearts of countless people who thirst for meaning and direction in their lives as individuals and as members of society.”

The Pope expressed his confidence that “these days of discussion will offer the participants in the Congress fresh inspiration, encouragement and purpose in their efforts to respond to this exciting and demanding task.”

Please find below the full text of the message signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Pope:

The Holy Father sends cordial greetings and prayerful good wishes to all taking part in the World Congress of SIGNIS, held this year in Rome. He was pleased to learn that the Congress will reflect on the communicative power of the images which through the mass media are expressing and shaping the experiences, hopes and concerns of rising generations. In a globalised world in which new cultures, with new languages and symbols, are constantly being born, and a new common imagination is emerging. Catholic communicators are increasingly challenged to present the wisdom, truth and beauty of the Gospel in a language capable of touching the minds and hearts of countless people who thirst for meaning and direction in their lives as individuals and as members of society (cr . Evangelii Gaudium, 73-74). Confident that these days of discussion will offer the participants in the Congress fresh inspiration, encouragement and purpose in their efforts to respond to this exciting and demanding task, His Holiness commends them, their families and their colleagues to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the incarnate Word. To all he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord.