Nigeria, June 4 -- Background

In preparation for the 59th World Communications Day (WCD) in 2025, Pope Francis urged us to think carefully about how we communicate to ensure we are doing it right and for the right reasons (Holy See Press Office, 2024). He also expressed concern about spreading false information, how divided people are, and how often they are mean in speech. The theme for this year's celebration, "Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts", drawn from the biblical verse 1 Peter 3:15-16, invites us to approach communication as a moral and relational act - one that can either deepen wounds or foster healing.

At the heart of the late Holy Father's message is a concern for the growing culture of verbal aggression...