SIGNIS World Congress begins in Rwanda with focus on digital communication

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