How can we live and communicate hope in a world marked by crises and uncertainties? How can we make it visible, credible, and contagious? These questions guided the recent event “Communicating Hope: The Role of Media and the Meaning of the Jubilee of Communication,” organized by the UISG one month before the celebration of the grand jubilee event.

The forum provided an opportunity to reflect on the fundamental role of communication in building a more just and supportive world. The speakers—Sr. Rose Pacatte FSP, Sr. Adelaide Ndilu IHM, Sr. Cristina Valea Sobrino FSMP, and Fr. Benedict Mayaki SJ—shared insights and experiences on how the narrative of hope can become a concrete tool for transforming society.

A key concept that emerged from their discussions was hopetelling, the art of narrating stories of hope—an invitation that Pope Francis has also extended to communicators to counter pessimism and resignation. But how can this principle be transformed into a daily and tangible practice?

Telling the Good Without Oversimplification

One of the fundamental aspects highlighted in the discussion was the need to make visible the stories of those who build bridges and generate change, often ignored by mainstream media. However, telling stories of hope does not mean sugarcoating reality or ignoring difficulties; rather, it means offering a balanced and authentic narrative capable of highlighting signs of hope even in the most complex contexts.

The speakers emphasized the importance of avoiding oversimplifications and stereotypical narratives, instead providing space for real testimonies that speak of resilience, solidarity, and commitment.

Media as Spaces for Dialogue and Community

Another central theme was the role of media as tools for dialogue and participation. While today's communication landscape is dominated by an attention economy that rewards sensationalism, it also presents new opportunities to amplify often-overlooked voices.

The participants underlined the responsibility of communicators to promote information that does not fuel division but instead contributes to building bridges between cultures, peoples, and generations. Hope is communicated through stories that showcase the potential of collaboration and solidarity.

Educating for Hope in the Digital Era

Another key topic was the role of media literacy. In a world where new technologies allow access to diverse audiences, it is crucial to train communicators who are aware and responsible. Digital platforms can be powerful tools for spreading positive messages, but they require careful use to prevent the spread of fake news or toxic narratives.

The speakers stressed the need for communication centered on truth and transparency, with a style that is not confrontational but constructive. The goal is to convey hope with authenticity, without ever losing sight of the reality of facts.

A Collective Mission for the Jubilee of Communication

This event is part of the broader journey of the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, which invites reflection on how communication can become a tool for change.

The message is clear: it is not enough to talk about hope; we must live it and communicate it in a tangible way so that it can become a contagious force capable of transforming society. For ecclesial communicators, this also means recognizing and bearing witness that the true face of hope is Jesus Christ, the center of the Gospel message. Those who communicate within the Church have the responsibility to make Him visible and credible so that the words and stories they tell always lead to the authentic source of Hope.