By Philip NWOSU
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, on Sunday urged media professionals to promote messages of hope and compassion in the face of current global challenges.
Martins made the call during a sermon at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 59th World Day of Social Communications.
The annual event, celebrated every June 1 by the Catholic Church, highlights the role of social communications in advancing human dignity and development.
This year’s celebration also coincided with Archbishop Martins’ 66th birthday.
The theme for the 59th edition, “Share with Gentleness the Hope that is in Your Heart,” was penned by the late Pope Francis and adopted by his successor, Pope Leo XIV.
Reading the Pope’s message to the congregation, Archbishop Martins stressed the importance of responsible storytelling and the role of journalists in fostering hope rather than conflict.
“I invite you to be communicators of hope, starting with the renewal of your work and mission in the spirit of the gospel,” he said.
He described the work of media professionals as vital, especially in an era marked by widespread fear, uncertainty, and misinformation.
“Your courageous efforts to put personal and collective responsibility at the heart of communication are necessary,” he said.
Martins decried the trend of communication that fuels prejudice, resentment, and hate, calling instead for messages that build unity and empathy.
“On several occasions, I have spoken of our need to ‘disarm’ communication and to purify it of aggressiveness,” he added. “I dream of a communication capable of making us fellow travellers, walking alongside our brothers and sisters, and encouraging them to have hope in these troubled times.”
The Archbishop’s message reinforced the Church’s commitment to using media as a tool for social healing and moral renewal.