Communications

Does the Vatican need a Korean Air-style reboot?
- Sep 20, 2020
In 2006, a lecture by Pope Benedict XVI at the University of Regensburg in Germany caused a global firestorm because of the way he chose to open it, quoting a 14th century Byzantine emperor about Muhammad bringing “things only evil and inhuman.” Muslims took it as a slur, and in the ensuing protests churches were firebombed in the Gaza Strip and an Italian missionary nun was shot to death in Somalia.

By John L. Allen Jr.
Christian communicators can bring hope to world in crisis, pope says
- Sep 18, 2020
It is important to have Christian media that provide quality coverage of the life of the church and that are capable of forming people’s consciences, Pope Francis said.

By Carol Glatz
Practice of tracking Massgoers for political purposes gains scrutiny
- Mar 2, 2020
Regular Massgoers in some parts of the country have been tracked using cellphone location data by at least one organization looking to turn out voters to support specific political candidates.

By Dennis Sadowski

Diplomats, press ponder alternatives to ‘echo-chamber’ of social media
- Jun 5, 2019
A Tuesday panel co-sponsored by two ambassadors to the Holy See and the Vatican’s own communications department attempted to respond to the negative, “toxic” trend of social media, bringing together both diplomats and members of the press corps to speak of ways to foster constructive conversation on platforms, rather than confrontation.

By Elise Harris
Comms team for pope’s anti-abuse summit gives reason for hope
- Feb 21, 2019
The composition of the communications team for the meeting gives one reason to hope.

By Inés San Martín
Francis warns youth not to become isolated ‘social hermits’
- Jan 24, 2019
In a global message on the challenges and benefits of the digital world, Pope Francis warned that despite the ability to form communities through various social platforms, there is also the risk of isolation and alienation of those who don’t share the same ideas or beliefs.

By Elise Harris