n a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, Catholic communicators across Europe gathered in Prague from 3 to 5 June for the 35th Meeting of the Spokespersons and Press Officers of the European Bishops’ Conferences. Organised by the CCEE (Council of European Bishops’ Conferences) in collaboration with the Czech Bishops’ Conference, the meeting focused on the theme: “Communicating Hope in today’s Europe.”

Returning to the Czech capital two years after the European Continental Assembly of the Synod, participants convened in the Jubilee Year of Hope with a renewed commitment to “communicate the Good News of the ‘hope that does not disappoint’.”

A voice amid the noise

Reflecting on the need to offer a message of hope in a continent bruised by war and social upheaval, the participants focused on the enduring power of Gospel-style communication.

“Today more than ever,” read a message from the organisers, “Europe needs to make its own the communication of the Good News… at a time that risks being marked by desperation due to the bloody wars and inhumane violence that are spreading in many parts of the world”.

Quoting the Psalms, “Their voice goes out through all the earth and their message to the ends of the world” (Ps 19:4), the universal mission of Church communicators to carry forward a message of peace, unity, and unwavering hope was highlighted.

Continuity and innovation

Two key figures in the field of Vatican and Church communication offered their reflections on the evolution of papal communication.

In the second session, the vice editorial director of Vatican Media, Dr Alessandro Gisotti, focused on the topic of Communication from Pope Francis to Pope Leo, highlighting some points that the two Popes have in common. Among these, the primacy given to listening in communication, the need to announce the Gospel to all, as well as a synodal approach, also in the way of communicating. In particular, he emphasised Augustinian thought and spirituality as an essential key to understanding Robert Francis Prevost's vision of communication.

For the former spokesman of the Holy See, some themes, such as silence, the search for mystery, the “sermo humilis” (a humble, accessible form of language intended to make the Gospel understandable to all) will serve as the guidelines for the communication style of Leo XIV. Gisotti stressed that, for the first time in the history of the Church, we have a Pope who personally used social media before being elected to the Chair of Peter. Furthermore, Cardinal Prevost has always shown great interest in new technologies, whilst repeatedly calling for an ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

This, the journalist concluded, will ensure that even in the “digital continent”, Pope Leo will exercise his role as Pontiff, “bridge-builder”, committing to favour dialogue and communion in the increasingly polarised world of social networks.

In another keynote, Prof. Daniel Arasa, Dean of the Faculty of Institutional Social Communication at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, spoke about “The Service of Ecclesial Communicators to the Church in the Present Context.” He encouraged participants to see their vocation as a ministry of service: “To communicate is not merely to inform—it is to form hearts in hope and truth.”

Dialogue with journalists

The final day included a panel on “The journalist and Vatican communication,” featuring Javier Martínez Brocal Ogáyar, correspondent for ABC, and Josef Pazderka, Editor-in-Chief of the Czech Radio station Český rozhlas Plus.

The dialogue offered journalists the chance to share insights on the challenges and opportunities of reporting on the Church in an era of rapid media transformation.

A spiritual and cultural encounter

The meeting was not only an occasion for professional exchange but also for spiritual nourishment. Participants attended Holy Mass in the Chapel of St. Wenceslas at the Prague Cathedral, celebrated by Archbishop Josef Nuzík, President of the Czech Bishops’ Conference.