Africa’s Catholic Journalists Urged to Foster “better, appropriate” Reporting on Migrants, Refugees

He encouraged the development of African Christian narratives shaped by the philosophy of communal well-being, interconnectedness, and compassion that define humanity, saying, “Formulate African Christian narratives that are influenced by Ubuntu in your coverage of migrants and refugees.”

He underscored the need for Catholic journalists to give migrants and refugees a human face, dignity, and integrity.

In his presentation, the Tanzanian Catholic Bishop, who specialized in communication in his further studies identified economic hardship, human trafficking, organized crime, and environmental pressures as key drivers of migration.

In his opening remarks at the Maputo event, the President of SIGNIS Africa, Fr. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika outlined the broader mission of the African region of the World Catholic Association for Communication in relation to the Church’s role in media and communication.

Fr. Walter said that SIGNIS Africa draws its vision from the global mission of SIGNIS, which seeks to work with media practitioners and support Catholic communicators in transforming cultures through the Gospel.

“Our goal is to promote human dignity, justice, and reconciliation,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said. 

He explained that the May 25 to 28 event was inspired by the belief that communication serves as a central force in every society. “The mass media is viewed as the hub of the wheel, connecting the various spokes that support it,” he said.

The member of the Clergy of Nigeria’s Ahiara Catholic Diocese said that the March 25-28 Maputo workshop was a follow up of the 2023 workshop that took place in Kampala, Uganda.

The member of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) expressed gratitude to the Vatican Dicastery for Communication and the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) for their partnership in realizing the workshops. 

The partnerships have strengthened the Catholic Church’s capacity for digital evangelization in the global South, the President of SIGNIS Africa said.