World Communications Day: A Yearlong Journey of Reflection and Celebration

The Vatican has announced that the theme for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, to be celebrated on 17 May 2026, will be “Preserving human voices and faces.” This theme highlights the growing influence of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), in shaping how we communicate. While technology brings great possibilities, the Church warns that it should not replace the human qualities of empathy, ethics, and moral responsibility.

The Vatican’s communication department highlights the risks associated with AI, including the dissemination of misinformation, privacy breaches, and a decline in critical thinking skills. They emphasize the need for education in media literacy and AI, especially for young people, so they can think critically and understand the impact of technology on their lives.

Pope Leo XIV, who chose this theme, has consistently spoken about the challenges posed by new technologies. He believes the Church must address these challenges to protect human dignity and ensure justice in an increasingly technological world. The Pope urges that AI and technology should serve humanity, not undermine the human voice

World Communications Day has become a significant event in the Catholic Church’s calendar, providing an opportunity for reflection on the power and responsibility of communication in contemporary society. The celebration is rooted in the Church’s liturgical calendar, with the Vatican announcing the theme on 29 September, the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—Gabriel being the patron saint of digital media. The full message for the day is typically released on 24 January, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists and communicators.

The celebration itself takes place on Ascension Sunday, which generally falls in May. In this way, the Church prepares and guides the faithful through the year, ensuring that the message of the World Communications Day is not only heard but also lived and experienced.

As the world grapples with the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications reminds us that the human voice—the very essence of empathy, connection, and shared responsibility—must remain central to communication. As AI technologies continue to advance, it is clear that the Church’s role in guiding ethical discourse will only grow more important, offering a vital counterpoint to the pervasive influence of algorithm-driven media.

In this time of unprecedented technological change, the call to preserve human dignity and foster meaningful, ethical communication resonates more than ever. The Vatican’s message urges all people, especially young people, to develop the critical skills necessary to navigate a world increasingly shaped by technology, without losing sight of the humanity at the heart of every conversation.