Archdiocese of Bhopal Marks World Communications Day 2026 with Call to Uphold Human Dignity in the Digital Age

Bhopal, June 29, 2026: The Archdiocese of Bhopal observed the 60th World Communications Day on June 28 with a renewed call to foster ethical, compassionate, and human-centred communication amid the rapid expansion of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

Celebrated in communion with the universal Church, this year's observance focused on the theme, "Preserving Human Voices and Faces," proposed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The theme underscores the need to protect authentic human relationships, dialogue, and dignity in an increasingly technology-driven world.

To commemorate the occasion, the Archdiocese distributed the official liturgy guide and awareness poster to parishes, educational institutions, and religious communities, encouraging prayer services, reflection programmes, and media awareness initiatives throughout the local Church.

Addressing the faithful, Archbishop Arokia Sebastian Durairaj SVD of Bhopal highlighted the vital role of communication in evangelisation and community building. "Communication is one of God's greatest gifts to humanity. Through it, we proclaim the Gospel, build communion, heal divisions, and bear witness to Christ," he said. He urged priests, religious, lay faithful, educators, media professionals, and young people to use every form of communication responsibly, ethically, and compassionately.

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV's message, Fr. Alfred D'Souza, Director of Navdeep Communications, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the human dimension of communication in the digital era.

"The Holy Father's theme, 'Preserving Human Voices and Faces,' reminds us that behind every message is a human person deserving of respect and dignity. Even in the digital world, we must never lose the values of truth, dialogue, empathy, and authentic encounter. Let our words become instruments of peace, hope, and evangelisation," he said.

The Archbishop also encouraged Catholic educational institutions and parish communication teams to promote media literacy, responsible use of social media, and constructive digital engagement inspired by Christian values.

World Communications Day, the only worldwide observance established by the Second Vatican Council dedicated to the Church's mission in social communications, continues to inspire Catholics across the globe to use modern media as instruments of dialogue, service, evangelisation, and the promotion of human dignity.

By Catholic Connect Reporter