The weeklong training course, from August 8 to 16, is taking place in Abidjan, on the theme "Electoral processes in Africa: the role and responsibility of the media in the preservation of social peace".
Journalism for peace
The Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, Paolo Ruffini, has sent a message of support and encouragement to participants in which he praises the "dynamism" of Catholic communicators in promoting a "journalism of peace”.
In his letter, the Prefect recalls Pope Francis’ Message for the 52nd World Day of Social Communications last year, on the theme “The truth will set you free: fake news and journalism for peace”.
Journalism for people
In that message, the Pope speaks of “a journalism created by people for people, one that is at the service of all, especially those who have no voice. A journalism less concentrated on breaking news than on exploring the underlying causes of conflicts, in order to promote deeper understanding and contribute to their resolution by setting in place virtuous processes. A journalism committed to pointing out alternatives to the escalation of shouting matches and verbal violence”.
African Catholic Press Union
The training session in Abidjan is being organized by the African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP), and the Association of Catholic Journalists and Communicators in the Ivory Coast, and is chaired by Bishop Raymond Ahoua, Head of Episcopal Commission for Social Communications in the country.
