Vatican: new technology theme for World Communication Day

The Vatican has announced the theme for the 43rd World Communications Day: "New Technologies, New Relationships. Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship".

Archbishop Claudio Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, made the announcement yesterday and praised Pope Benedict XVI for offering a series of commitments and responsibilities that "those involved in the field of communications are personally called to shoulder, at a time so deeply marked by the development of new media technologies which, in effect, are creating a new environment, a new culture."

Archbishop Celli went on to highlight the potential of new media as a force for good: "The modernisation of instruments does not simply mean a step forwards in technical terms, but creates new conditions and possibilities for mankind to use and apply this resource for the common good, placing it at the foundation of a widespread cultural growth".

Pope Benedict will release his message for the World Day for Social Communications on 24 January 2009, the Feast of St. Francis of Sales, patron of journalists.

Next year's World Communications Day falls on Sunday 31 May 2009.