Every year, the delegates for communications from the six Conferences of the Society of Jesus meet for about a week to reflect on their mission, explore new frontiers in communication, and strengthen their collective vision for advancing this important work of the Society. Following the annual tradition, the delegates gathered in Rome from 17-20 June this year. Rafael Silva, represented JCEP in this meeting

The enriching week began with a prayerful overview, allowing the delegates to assess their roles in the last year from both personal and institutional viewpoints. Sessions during the week touched on the role of communications in promoting vocations, practical applications of the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the formation of mission partners, the mission of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Jesuit Refugee Service and promoting the mission of communicating hope during the Jubilee Year 2025.

During the session on promoting vocations, Fr Mark Ravizza led the communications delegates on an overview of the number of Jesuits in the Society and the importance of “sending workers to the vineyard”. He stressed that the work of promoting vocations is part of “our way of proceeding” and a substantive part of the life-mission of every Jesuit, as well as all those with whom we collaborate on mission. In this light, everyone is called to rekindle a culture of vocation promotion, particularly those involved in the mission of communicating. He asked three questions to guide the work of the delegates: How do we want to be present in today’s digital world? What images convey our Jesuit and Ignatian vocation? Where is our deepest hope, and how can communications departments help to promote this?

A special session with Father General Arturo Sosa on the last day of the meeting provided an opportunity for questions, dialogue, and shared wisdom, reinforcing the vision and challenges that lie ahead for global communications within the Society. Fr Sosa underlined the importance of growing in the depth of our communication in view of nourishing a universal vision. He invited the delegates to also work towards moving from multiculturality to interculturality in their communication, considering also the multigenerational nature of the Society. He stressed that quality communication is vital for the synodal dimension of the Church.

Father General also invited communications offices to promote collaboration and networking among ministries and sectors, transcending even Regional, Provincial and Conference borders. He announced that he has created a Commission on social media and AI whose task is to discern the appropriate use of these rapidly evolving instruments and smart technologies in carrying out our life-mission according to the manner of proceeding of our institute.

While each event in the 4-day meeting was overall very enriching, one moment stood out above the rest – participating in the General Audience with Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The Pope’s message resonated deeply, encouraging everyone to continue their efforts in bringing the faith closer to God’s people – a mission that communicators can contribute towards.

The delegates also seized the opportunity provided by the meeting in Rome to embark on a pilgrimage through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica. Walking through the Holy Door, one of the spiritual practices of pilgrims throughout this holy year, is a moment of spiritual renewal; it is also a physical act that signifies moving from one state to another, embracing transformation, grace, and the Christian hope that this Jubilee Year invites us to embrace.

As the communications delegates departed Rome at the end of the meeting, their task ahead is clear: to use communication not as a mere tool, but as a force for connection, vocations promotion, formation, and evangelization. This idea will inspire the next article, podcast, video, social media post, or documentary, carrying with it the hope that the message of faith may reach the hearts of those that need it the most. As Msgr. Lucio Ruiz, the Secretary for the Dicastery of Communications for the Vatican, reminded the participants during his presentation on communicating hope, “when there is hope in our words, there is space for God to reach others”.