Pope John Paul II designates theme of World Communications Day 2005 as “The Media, at the service of understanding between peoples”

29 Sep 2004

PRESS RELEASE

29TH SEPTEMBER 2004

POPE JOHN PAUL II DESIGNATES THEME OF WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 2005 AS

“THE MEDIA, AT THE SERVICE OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PEOPLES”

Archbishop John Foley, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications,
World Communications Day is: The Communications Media: At the Service of Understanding
between Peoples.

World Communications Day, said Archbishop Foley, is the only worldwide celebration called
for by the Second Vatican Council, as outlined in the document Inter Mirifica of 1963.
It is celebrated in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world,
on the Sunday before Pentecost, which in 2005 is May 8th.

Archbishop Foley said in a communiqu that this theme, reflects the Pope’s desire that
the media contribute to an authentic dialogue and mutual comprehension among peoples,
leading to understanding, to justice and to an enduring peace. Among the responsibilities
of this council is the preparation of study materials on the theme for distribution
to bishops conferences.

The announcement of the theme is traditionally made on September 29th, the Feast of
the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, the latter having been designated as the
patron of those who work in radio.

Archbishop Foley noted that, the Holy Father’s message for World Communications Day
is published every year on January 24th, the memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron
of writers, to allow bishops’ conferences and diocesan offices sufficient time to
prepare audiovisual and other materials for national and local celebrations.

ENDS

Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)