Presentation of message for World Communications Day

VATICAN CITY, (VIS) - A press conference was held Jan. 24 in the Holy See Press Office to present Benedict XVI's Message for the 46th World Day of Social Communications, entitled: "Silence and Word: Path of Evangelization."

Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli recalled how, "each year in his Message for the World Day of Social Communications, the Pope has sought to analyze the culture of communication, offering guidance to modern man and directing the pastoral activity of the Church. Over recent years the Pope has been very attentive to the process and dynamics of communication, especially in the context of the cultural transformations that have arisen as a result of technological progress."

This year, however, "the Holy Father turns his attention to a 'classic' aspect of communication: 'silence'; or rather, the pairing of 'silence and word'. This aspect ... is becoming increasingly important in the context of digital culture," said the president of the pontifical council, going on to explain how Benedict XVI focuses upon the importance of silence as part of authentic communication.

Silence can be a vehicle of expression, it gives others the chance to speak and us the opportunity to listen, think and reflect, the archbishop said.

"In essence, it is in silence that I am able to give communication its correct significance, and to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of communication itself. Silence has particular importance in the context of that incessant flow of questions which, in a certain sense, is the driving force of modern communication culture," he said.

The Pope suggests "that at the heart of this flow of questions lies a fundamental question, which is the search for truth. Here again the importance of silence emerges, as a place where human beings must face themselves and God.”

In silence mankind discovers "the possibility to speak with God and about God." For this reason Benedict XVI reminds people engaged in the task of evangelization that "both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church's work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today's world."