SIGNIS World Congress begins in Rwanda with focus on digital communication

by Catholic Trends

August 4, 2026

in Africa, News

Reading Time: 2 mins read

VIEWS

Share on Facebook Share on WhatsApp Share on X Share on Telegram

No Content Available

The first-ever SIGNIS World Congress to be held on African soil officially opened on Tuesday, August 4, in Rwanda’s Catholic Archdiocese of Kigali, bringing together Catholic communicators from more than 40 countries across five continents.

The six-day Congress is being held under the theme, “Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-Being,” and is expected to host more than 300 participants from around the world.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, the Congress Secretariat announced that 104 delegates had already completed accreditation.

“We are pleased to inform you that 104 participants have already received their badges,” the Secretariat said in a statement issued on Monday, August 3.

The opening session featured welcome addresses from the Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda (CEPR), Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, SIGNIS World President Helen Osman, and SIGNIS Africa President Fr. Prof. Walter Chekwendu Ihejirika.

The Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, was scheduled to deliver a goodwill message virtually. Other speakers included the Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda, Archbishop Arnaldo Sánchez Catalán, as well as representatives of partner organisations.

Following the opening ceremony, delegates were expected to begin the first plenary session centred on the Congress theme. The session features presentations by the Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, and the Theological-Pastoral Director at the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, Dr. Nataša Govekar.

Running from August 3 to 8, the Congress will examine key issues shaping the future of Catholic communication, including digital communication for communion, religious and cultural engagement in the digital age, artificial intelligence in media, media literacy, youth participation, environmental communication, and the role of Catholic communicators in fostering reconciliation and cultural harmony.

Watch the live event below

Saints inspire us, but so do living witnesses like Bishop Adanuty – Bishop Mante

No Content Available

Catholic Sister Communicators equipped with media skills and tools to strengthen evangelisation in Ghana

Insight with Bishop Osei-Bonsu : One Mass a day? Why some priests celebrate more

Discussion about this post

Daily Reading

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st book of Kings 19,9a.11-13a.

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came... to a cave, where he took shelter.
"Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD--but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake there was fire--but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Psalms 85(84),9ab-10.11-12.13-14.

I will hear what God proclaims;
the... LORD –for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.

Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.

Letter to the Romans 9,1-5.

Brothers and Sisters: I speak the truth in... Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the holy Spirit in bearing me witness
that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.
For I could wish that I myself were accursed and separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kin according to the flesh.
They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises;
theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah. God who is over all be blessed forever. Amen.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 14,22-33.

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the... disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once (Jesus) spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how (strong) the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
To receive the Gospel every morning in your mailbox, subscribe here: dailygospel.org

Go to Daily Readings

SIGNIS World Congress begins in Rwanda with focus on digital communication

Saints inspire us, but so do living witnesses like Bishop Adanuty – Bishop Mante

Catholic Sister Communicators equipped with media skills and tools to strengthen evangelisation in Ghana

Related Posts

Catholic Sister Communicators equipped with media skills and tools to strengthen evangelisation in Ghana