Kigali is about to host the first-ever African version of the SIGNIS World Congress, a flagship world gathering of the World Catholic Affiliation for Communication.
The Congress will happen on the Sainte Famille Resort from August 3 to eight, bringing collectively Catholic communicators, journalists, filmmakers, media professionals, and communication students from greater than 100 international locations.
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The 2026 Congress will run below the theme “Digital Communication for Cultural Concord and Environmental Wellbeing.” It’s going to concentrate on world discussions on the moral use of digital applied sciences and synthetic intelligence.
Organisers say the theme aligns with latest calls by Pope Leo XIV for expertise to stay centred on human dignity and the frequent good. In his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he warns that synthetic intelligence should not be used to advertise domination, exclusion, or battle, however as a substitute ought to serve humanity and shield weak communities.
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Held each 4 years, the Congress was beforehand hosted in Seoul (2022), Quebec Metropolis (2017), and Rome (2014).
Fr. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, Chairperson of the African Organising Committee, instructed Vatican Information that preparations are on monitor, with groups dealing with reception, lodging, transport, and logistics.
“We’ve got completely different departments engaged on reception, lodging, logistics and transportation, ensuring that people who find themselves coming is not going to have any drawback on the airport. Our aim is to make this World Congress a hit and for folks to take again house heat reminiscences.”
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Chairperson of the Rwandan Episcopal Convention, mentioned in the identical SIGNIS press launch that internet hosting the congress displays the Catholic Church's dedication to utilizing communication as a device for evangelisation, unity, and peace.
“Sharing experiences and experience by way of gathering media professionals is without doubt one of the greatest methods to strengthen this sector in the whole church. Thus, our native church might be honoured to host the SIGNIS World Congress and assist the event of communications within the Church.”
The Congress will characteristic discussions on accountable digital communication, media literacy, moral journalism, environmental communication, and methods of strengthening dialogue throughout cultures and generations, significantly amongst younger folks and ladies.
