"We believe that peace can be achieved in the digital world through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit."
The 2022 Seoul Signis World Congress, where Catholic journalists from all over the world gathered in one place, ended in a grand way on the 18th at Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, with a new insight into the role of the media and singing a song of hope for peace.
At the closing ceremony, the participants of the General Assembly issued a statement summarizing the contents of the General Assembly discussion, emphasizing that "the press should lead readers, viewers, and listeners to the light." It also reminded us of our mission to strive to deliver truthful and meaningful information. They said in a statement that "a new society can be built only when we create the awareness that we can work peacefully with people of different cultures, beliefs, religions and ideologies.
"About 300 people from 32 countries took part online and offline at this general meeting, which was held for the first time in five years, delayed by one year due to COVID-19. From the 15th to the 18th, participants discussed issues facing modern society, such as the contradiction of disconnection and isolation in a hyper-connected world, the harmful effects of fake news, the inequality caused by the digital divide, and the climate crisis through topic discussions and forums. Focusing more on discovering the light rather than the shadow brought about by technological development and the potential for good rather than the destructive influence of media, they shared various ideas for achieving peace in the digital world.
Most of the events and programs were broadcast live through the CPBC YouTube channel. Those who could not come to the site in person participated in the general meeting through YouTube, Zoom, and Metaverse.
In particular, at the General Assembly, the Vatican Public Relations Minister Paolo Rufini, who was appointed as the first lay minister of the Vatican, and journalist Dmitry Muratov (Russia), who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, as key speakers, drew attention from many people. In addition, about ten presenters participated in each topic, and stories from the field were more rich and vivid than ever.
In addition, as journalists of the same faith, the participants held Mass together every day and shared in communion. The participants, who experienced unity while getting to know each other, returned to their respective positions with the hopeful conviction that the media would contribute to the common good of mankind.
In his farewell address, Cardinal Su-jeong Yeom, co-chairman of the SIGNIS World Assembly, said, "It is truly meaningful for all Koreans, as well as the Catholic Church, the visit to Korea, the only divided country in the world, by all of you who are spreading the peace of the kingdom of God." He added: "It is an era in which the role of Signis members is very important. Through this, we hope for an era of true peace where all people in the world can enjoy the peace of the Kingdom of God."
Han Seung-soo (Daniel), chairman of the Organizing Committee of the SIGNIS World Congress, did not forget to express his gratitude to all those involved who spared no effort and enthusiasm for the success of the convention. Helen Osman, President of Signis World, said: "I hope we will never forget this time when we affirmed that our mission was to listen with an open mind, to understand each other, and to tell the truth."
SIGNIS is a compound word of SIGN, which means media and message, and IGNIS, which means to light a fire. It is a Vatican-accredited organization that holds the World Congress every four years. Signis is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, and the secretariat is in Rome, Italy. There are more than 100 member countries of Signis around the world, and in Korea, about 500 members are active mainly in broadcasting companies, newspapers, and publishers.
