The Evangelical Pope | Communication Brings Us Closer

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. © Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

               10 Teach me to do your will,

               for you are my God;
               may your good Spirit
               lead me on level ground.

               __ Psalm 143:10 (New International Version)

The Vatican – 15 May 1988 | Imagine a world where 'to communicate' and 'to fraternize' are seen as the same, where 'communication' brings us closer in human solidarity. If that day ever arrives, it truly would be one of the most wonderful achievements of mass communications.

Fraternity and solidarity are vital and urgent, and should be key marks of people and cultures today. The joyful unveiling of friendly, helpful relationships should be the most beautiful "festival' and successful "show' of mass communication.

In an era of rapid development in mass communication, the bonds between people and cultures are invaluable support for humanity. Yet, communicators also recognize adverse effects, such as distortion and disfigurement of these relationships. Self-exaltation, contempt, and rejection of others can increase tensions, leading to violence, misguided actions, and the breakdown of genuine communication, making brotherly relationships impossible.

To foster a sense of brotherhood and human solidarity, it's essential to recognize the fundamental values that underpin them.

Core Concepts

Communication and Fraternity: Genuine communication fosters unity and fraternity.

Spiritual Foundation: Fraternity, based on Christ's teachings, encourages us to view everyone as a brother or sister, promoting unity and compassion.

Universal values: The Church views fraternity and solidarity as universal principles essential for all, transcending Christian doctrine.

Role of Mass Communications

Strengthening Bonds: Mass communications showcase joyful relationships between cultures, promoting unity and support.

Potential Risks: Some challenges include the distortion of relationships, exclusion, and the worsening of divisions. Communicators must remain vigilant and actively work to prevent these issues from arising.

Essential Values for Solidarity

Respect and Dialogue: Respect for others and a willingness to engage in open conversation are essential for fostering fraternity.

Justice and Ethics: Justice and ethics play a vital role in both our personal and community lives, forming the foundation of genuine solidarity. When we embrace fairness and moral integrity, we foster stronger connections and a more united society.

Freedom and Equality: Effective communication should promote liberty, equality, and peace, thereby elevating the dignity of all individuals.

Inclusivity: Solidarity surpasses group loyalty, nationalism, racism, and fanaticism by embracing diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities of Communicators

Balanced Information: Information agencies and media should deliver reports that are comprehensive, fair, and respectful of all parties involved.

Reciprocity and Access: The media should promote mutual exchange and strive for equal access, ensuring meaningful participation for all.

Justice and Voice: Platforms should amplify the voices of the voiceless and promote fair representation throughout communities.

Ethics in Programming: Television and audiovisual media must present content that fosters intercultural understanding and promotes tolerance and respect.

Technological Equality: Communications technology should be managed wisely to ensure broader access and participation for a greater number of people.

Responsible Advertising: Advertisers should prioritize the needs of disadvantaged groups and adopt ethical practices when promoting their products and services.

Conclusion

As communication networks expand, the Church continues to promote the core values that embody human greatness. These values, vital for fostering fraternity and solidarity, are most impactful when grounded in spiritual life and faith. The Church urges all communicators and audiences to move forward with hope, faith, and dedication towards a world where joy, fraternity, and solidarity flourish.

Extracted From:

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II FOR THE 22nd WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY, "Social Communications and the Promotion of Solidarity and Fraternity Between Peoples and Nations, Sunday, 15 May 1988

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_24011988_world-communications-day.html

© Sputnik / Kirill Zykov
“Moscow is a truly Orthodox capital of our homeland,” he told reporters after the service. “On the one hand, it is a city open to our brothers from other religions, recognizing their contribution to our common history, but at the same time it is a city that will never renounce its Christian heritage.”

7 September 2025

PUTIN AND TRUMP ‘WILL PREVENT WWIII’ – KREMLIN ENVOY

Peace in Ukraine is near as the two leaders are in dialogue, Kirill Dmitriev said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are bringing the end of the Ukraine conflict closer, said Kirill Dmitriev, a presidential aide on international economic affairs. He added that their diplomatic efforts could prevent a third world war.

Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the nation's sovereign wealth fund, posted on X on Saturday: "Stalin, Roosevelt & Churchill won WWII. Putin & Trump will prevent WWIII.”

He posted a picture of the Soviet, US, and British leaders from the 1945 Yalta Conference, which established the post-war order after Nazi Germany's defeat.

He also pushed back against former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, who suggested Moscow isn't serious about negotiations and urged more Western weapons for Ukraine.

READ MORE: Kremlin weighs in on Ukraine conflict settlement

               “Wrong. Peace is near due to the Trump-Putin dialogue. Biden’s failed approaches, including isolation and sanctions, have not worked. Dialogue, respect, understanding, and problem-solving are the way forward," Dmitriev said.

Breaking a long hiatus, Putin and Trump have held several phone calls and met in Alaska in August. Although no ceasefire was reached, both praised the engagement as productive. Trump said Ukraine cannot hope to join NATO or reclaim Crimea.

On Friday, Putin expressed cautious optimism about resolving the conflict, mentioning that "there is light at the end of the tunnel," but also warned that without a diplomatic deal, "we will have to reach all the goals through arms.”

Moscow insists a sustainable resolution requires Ukraine to be neutral, demilitarized, denazified, and accept the new territorial reality.