Rwanda SIGNIS Congress to fulfil Pope Leo’s 2026 World Communications Day mandate – SIGNIS Africa President

The President of SIGNIS Africa, Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter C. Ihejirika, has said the upcoming SIGNIS World Congress in Rwanda will serve as a practical response to Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Communications Day in 2026.

Reflecting on the Pope’s message titled Preserving Human Voices and Faces, Fr. Ihejirika highlighted the Holy Father’s emphasis on the sacredness of human identity, describing voices and faces as unique gifts from God that reflect divine love.

“Preserving human faces and voices, therefore, means preserving this mark, this indelible reflection of God’s love,” the Pope said in his message.

Fr Ihejirika noted that the Pope also raised concerns about the growing influence of artificial intelligence and its potential to undermine authentic human communication, particularly at the level of relationships.

According to him, the SIGNIS World Congress scheduled to take place in Kigali from August 3 to 8, 2026 will directly respond to this concern by bringing together Catholic communicators and media professionals from across the world.

He stressed that such physical gatherings remain essential in an era increasingly shaped by digital technologies.

Quoting the Pope, he said systems known as artificial intelligence are not only reshaping information ecosystems but also encroaching on human relationships, adding that technology must not replace genuine human encounter.

The Congress, themed Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Wellbeing, is expected to explore the ethical use of media and emerging technologies while promoting unity and care for creation.

Fr. Ihejirika said discussions at the gathering will also advance media literacy, including responsible use of artificial intelligence, in line with the Pope’s call for education systems to equip people with critical thinking skills and freedom of spirit.

He emphasised that such formation should reach young people as well as older and marginalised groups who may feel excluded by rapid technological change.

The SIGNIS Africa President further said the Congress will encourage participants to use digital media as a force for unity and environmental responsibility, echoing the Pope’s call for communication that serves humanity and promotes the common good.

“We need faces and voices to speak for people again,” the Pope said. “We need to cherish the gift of communication as the deepest truth of humanity, to which all technological innovation should also be oriented.”

Fr. Ihejirika expressed gratitude to the Holy Father for his message and reaffirmed the commitment of SIGNIS Africa to promoting ethical communication on the continent.

He also extended an invitation to Catholic communicators and participants from around the world to attend the Congress, promising a warm welcome and a rich experience of African hospitality.