Young championing messages of hope in Africa

Feb 07, 2025

By Juste Hlannon
Around 130 Catholic media professionals from 70 countries gathered in Rome for a special event organised by the Dicastery for Communication. Held alongside the Jubilee for the World of Communications, the gathering inspired young African communicators to amplify messages of hope.

Bénit Moke, 27, a member of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communications in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arrived in Rome eager to strengthen his skills in ethical and effective communication. After three days of training and prayer, he left with a renewed sense of purpose.

“Africa is not just about war and poverty,” Moke said. “We have values, cultural diversity, and young talents — so much to highlight in our storytelling.”

The event aimed to provide communicators with a space to connect across cultural divides and reflect on the challenges of the digital age. According to Silvia Grechi, a member of the organising committee, this Jubilee for the World of Communications aligned with the Holy Year 2025, inaugurated by Pope Francis in December.

To achieve this, the dicastery invited Catholic journalists, videographers, and influencers from over 70 countries for three days of networking and experience-sharing.

Clerck Randimbison, 31, a producer of educational and catechetical videos for Radio Don Bosco in Madagascar, found exactly what he was looking for: a global community of young communicators passionate about evangelisation through media. Inspired by the event, he is returning home with a concrete project: “I plan to create ten videos about environmental degradation in Madagascar, focusing on practical solutions.”

Mariane Gbossémèdé, a journalist for Lumen Christi TV in Benin, felt more prepared than ever to embody the event’s theme — being a “pilgrim of hope.” “Over these three days, I’ve learned so much from others’ experiences,” said the 28-year-old. She now aims to spotlight the unsung heroes of the Church in Africa: “I want to tell the stories of those making a difference, yet whose efforts go unnoticed.”

The event culminated in a meeting with Pope Francis on January 25 — one day after World Communications Day and the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron saint of journalists. The following day, the Pope presided over a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

For Bishop Eugène Houndékon of Abomey, head of Benin’s communications commission and leader of the Beninese delegation in Rome, the true significance of this Jubilee lied in its potential impact. He hoped the event would equip Catholic communicators to be witnesses of truth in a world plagued by misinformation. “Communication will only have credibility if it serves as a bridge between truth and trust,” he said.

Bishop Dominique Tinoudji of Pala in Chad, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Vatican’s prioritisation of communication in the Jubilee Year.--LCI