World Social Communications Day 2026

Pope Leo XIV's Message

Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications reflects on how technology, social media and artificial intelligence are changing the way people communicate, think and relate to one another. Under the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” he reminds us that every person is unique, sacred and created in the image of God.

In his message the Holy Father warns that while technology can be helpful, it can also distance people from what is real and human. Artificial intelligence can imitate voices, images and even emotions, making it harder at times to recognise truth, trust and authentic relationships. Pope Leo encourages people not to hand over their thinking, creativity and humanity to machines or algorithms.

At the same time, his message is hopeful. He believes technology can be used wisely and responsibly when it serves truth, human dignity and the common good. He calls on families, schools, parishes, communicators and young people to grow in wisdom, critical thinking and responsible use of digital media.

Above all, Pope Leo reminds us that communication is about more than information or technology. It is about people, relationships and encounter. The Church is called to protect and value authentic human voices and faces in a world that is becoming increasingly digital.

See links below to access the full text of the message.

Archbishop Eamon's Reflection

To accompany this year’s World Communications Day, Archbishop Eamon Martin has prepared a pastoral reflection resource responding to Pope Leo XIV’s message and exploring what it means for families, schools, parishes, young people and communicators today.

In his reflection, Archbishop Eamon writes:

"Before a person is a profile, a statistic, a screen-name, a consumer, a complainant, or a ‘case’, they are someone created in the image and likeness of God. Their face and voice matter.”

The Archbishop invites all of us to ask important questions about the way we communicate online and offline:

Are we listening to real voices?
Are we protecting real faces?
Are we speaking truthfully?
Are we allowing technology to serve communion, or are we letting it replace encounter?

Alongside the reflection, a series of resources have been prepared for parishes, schools, youth groups, pastoral councils and faith communities who may wish to reflect more deeply on the theme together.

The resources provide a simple conversational and prayerful format to help communities reflect on communication, truth, discernment, AI, digital culture and the dignity of the human person in today’s world.

Resources

Please find the documents linked below:

1. A PDF of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for 60th World Socials Communications Day
2. A pastoral reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s Message for 60th World Socials Communications Day by Archbishop Eamon Martin and prayer.
3. PowerPoint slides for schools and for anyone who wishes to have a gathering to reflect on the message.
4. A facilitator's guide to support the above refection activity.