By Charles Igwe
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Vatican’s Discastery of Social Communications, has called on members of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS) to establish robust structures for the Church in Africa. Speaking at the 50th-anniversary celebration of CEPACS in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Ruffini emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes, promote synodal Church practices, and effectively spread God’s word.
During his keynote address, Dr. Ruffini highlighted Africa’s abundance of life but stressed the necessity of establishing a structure to move effectively. He cautioned against adopting “feudal” or “colonial” structures, urging the Church in Africa to create frameworks rooted in the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He emphasized that such structures should serve the Church’s mission, ensuring it remains alive and dynamic.
Acknowledging the historic significance of the event, Dr. Ruffini commended the resilience of the people of Olumbanasa in Anambra West LGA, previously considered unreachable. He applauded their faith and trust in his leadership, making the community accessible. The governor pledged ongoing commitment, reporting progress in transforming the headquarters and constructing once impassable roads.
Dr. Ruffini underscored the importance of communication in the Church’s mission, describing it as a mutual gift rooted in love. He emphasized that communication is not merely a technical endeavor but a manifestation of charity. Dr. Ruffini urged CEPACS members to view the anniversary as a starting point for communication reorganization across the continent.
The Prefect highlighted the constitutively synodal nature of the Church, where charity serves as the only rule. He encouraged the Church in Africa to be an inclusive and welcoming community, valuing each person’s importance and promoting co-responsibility.
Addressing the challenges of the digital age, Dr. Ruffini emphasized the role of love in communication, stating that the secret of communication is not technique but love. He urged Catholic Communicators to negotiate algorithms with their hearts and discern between soulless data compilation and storytelling with soul. Dr. Ruffini also addressed the role of Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility and transparency in algorithms.
In conclusion, Dr. Ruffini stressed the importance of investment in communication, describing it as the first form of charity. He called for collaborative efforts at diocesan, national, regional, continental, and universal levels to strengthen Catholic communication. The Prefect urged the Church to invest in the formation of young professionals rooted in faith, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
