The Evangelical Pope | Words Hold Incredible Power

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love

               "For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility"

               __ Ephesians 2:14

The Vatican –8 May 2005 | Words hold incredible power—they can bring people together or pull them apart, forge friendships, or even ignite conflict. This influence isn't just seen in personal exchanges; it touches every type of communication we have at all levels.

Today’s technology offers us incredible opportunities to do good and connect with others. However, when not used carefully, these tools can sometimes cause misunderstandings, foster prejudice, and even lead to conflicts. It's important to use these powerful resources thoughtfully, so we can create a positive impact together.

The media’s vast reach opens up the world for billions of people, offering them a window into diverse cultures and regions. Often called "the first Areopagus of the modern age" (Redemptoris Missio, 37), it acts as a vital source of information, guidance, and inspiration for everyone. When knowledge is accurate, it fosters understanding, helps dispel prejudices, and sparks curiosity. Visual images are especially powerful—they leave a lasting impression, shaping how we view other groups and nations, and influencing whether we see them as friends or foes.

When others are portrayed as enemies, it can sow the seeds of conflict that might escalate into violence or even war. The media, if used irresponsibly, can unfairly demonize social, ethnic, or religious groups, feeding fear and hatred. Those who create media content have a vital duty to prevent this. Instead, media outlets have the incredible power to promote peace and reconciliation, helping to break the cycle of violence and retaliation. As Saint Paul reminds us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:21).

Proper media use requires understanding and applying moral principles (Inter Mirifica, 4). The main ethical rule is that all communication should foster growth of individuals and communities: "The human person and the human community are the end and measure of the use of the media of social communication" (Ethics in Communications, 21).

Communicators have a wonderful opportunity to truly embody the values they want to share. When they commit genuinely to the common good—a goal that goes beyond the interests of just one group or nation—and embrace the entire human family (see Pacem in Terris, 132), they help create a more compassionate world. By sharing truthful messages about the inherent value and dignity of every person, media professionals can play a vital role in nurturing a culture of life that respects and uplifts us all.

A Prayer for Peacemaking

On this World Communications Day, we pray that media professionals help dismantle barriers that divide people and nations, which often lead to misunderstanding and mistrust. May these tools foster stronger bonds of friendship and love, embodying the presence of God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Excerpted from:

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II FOR THE 39th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY "The Communications Media: At the Service of Understanding Among Peoples, Sunday, 8 May 2005

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20050124_world-communications-day.html

SWISS STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE SERVICE – COL. JACQUES BAUD: WHY THE WEST DOES NOT UNDERSTAND RUSSIA

Colonel Jacques Baud, a seasoned former military intelligence analyst for the Swiss Army and an accomplished writer, shares his insights based on years of experience. He explores why the West often struggles to understand Russia and Putin fully.

European strategic intelligence is crucial for comprehending the complex aspects of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. By thoughtfully analyzing the situation, policymakers are better equipped to make informed decisions that support peace and stability in the region. While it’s an ongoing challenge, it underscores the vital role of thorough and insightful intelligence gathering.

Watch the Video Here (57 minutes, 44 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
30 August 2025

European Strategic Intelligence and the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict: A Critical Examination

Welcome back to our discussion with Colonel Jacques Baud, a former member of the Swiss Strategic Intelligence Service. Today, we examine European politics, particularly the relationship between Europe and Russia, as well as its ties with the U.S.

Gaining Perspective on Russia from a Western Viewpoint and Strategic Insights

Let's explore how the West views President Putin and Russia. Colonel Baud’s background in strategic intelligence offers us some valuable insights. He points out that in democratic societies, strategic intelligence is designed to support political leaders by providing factual information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions rather than relying on guesses or personal feelings. Ideally, intelligence serves as a reliable foundation, guiding leaders away from hasty or unfounded choices.

However, a noticeable change happened after Vladimir Putin’s speech at the Munich Security Conference in 2007. Before this moment, East-West relations were generally friendly, and Putin’s image in the media was not perceived as negative. Since then, views have become more strained, and a worrisome alignment has developed between the mainstream press and European strategic intelligence services, both often sharing a similar story against Russia.

Examining the Impact of Media On Us and How Stories Influence Our Viewpoint

Exploring how media influences us and how stories shape our perspective can be enlightening. When media and narratives align well, it creates a more engaging and authentic experience that resonates deeply with us. Understanding this connection helps us appreciate the powerful role media plays in our lives and the importance of aligning stories with the truth and our values.

The media often has its own perspectives, sometimes leaning more on instinct than on facts. However, in recent times, it’s interesting to see how the press and intelligence agencies seem to be united in their critical portrayal of Russia. This impression raises questions about the objectivity and factual basis of our public conversations.

A notable example is the statement by the French Chief of General Staff, who identified Russia as Europe’s biggest upcoming threat. Colonel Baud questions the basis for this assessment, emphasizing that strategic intelligence must be grounded in concrete evidence rather than speculation or unfounded ideas.

Moving from Facts to Fiction [Storytelling and Narratives]: How Governance Is Changing

• Throughout history, the Enlightenment helped European governance move away from decisions based on divine-right inspiration and toward rational, fact-based analysis for the benefit of society.
• Today, however, Colonel Baud notices a worrisome change: decision-making sometimes feels disconnected from facts, leaning more on instinct or ideology.
• This change could compromise the integrity of democratic governance and the rule of law.

Personalization in Conflict and Information Management

Unlike during the Cold War, when the West mainly opposed a particular system, today's discussions tend to focus more on individuals—especially President Putin—and often place blame on everyone who shares his views. For instance, sanctions don't just target Russia's leaders; they affect the entire Russian population.

Since Russia’s 2022 military actions, the Western approach has been to destabilize Russian society and provoke dissent. Western leaders, including the French Minister of Economy, openly acknowledged the strategy of making Russia suffer.

Personalization in Conflict and Information Management enhances tailored solutions, making interactions more effective and comforting. By emphasizing personal touches, we often discover more effective methods for managing conflicts and sharing information in a way that feels more personal and understanding to all parties involved.

Managing Information and Perception Control

Across Western Europe, many structures are in place to help filter and manage information about Russia. These include NATO-affiliated centers and various national institutions that help shape the story. According to Baud, much of the information presented in Western media originates from Ukrainian sources, which sometimes diverge from reports within Ukraine itself. This can lead to a skewed view of events, such as the way missile strikes or casualty numbers are reported.

Understanding how information is managed and perceived can provide valuable insights. It shows how control over information shapes perceptions and influences opinions. Exploring this topic offers useful insights into how we perceive the world around us.

The Power of Narrative and Sustaining Support

• The importance of storytelling in sustaining ongoing support is immense. Engaging stories build stronger connections and motivate continued assistance. By sharing impactful stories, we encourage others to join a meaningful journey that personally resonates with them.
• In Ukraine, maintaining Western support really depends on fostering a sense of hope for victory and the failure of Russian efforts. Sometimes, there's a tendency to overlook the differences between what's happening on the ground and what officials say, to maintain support.
• Colonel Baud notes that if European people knew more about the real situation, they might feel less inclined to support the war.

The Legal Rationale for Russian Actions

• Many focus on NATO’s eastward expansion as a cause of the conflict, but Colonel Baud emphasizes that this is not the legal reason Russia has given.
• Instead, Russia claims its actions are justified under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, citing the responsibility to protect populations.
• Misunderstanding or oversimplifying this explanation can lead to inaccurate assessments of the conflict’s legality.

Negotiations and Missed Opportunities for Peace

Baud observes that Ukraine has made several genuine efforts to find peaceful solutions, and it seemed Russia was open to these talks. Unfortunately, these chances were often blocked by Western countries, especially in Europe. There's some hesitation to let Ukraine try solving things through diplomacy on its own.

When we consider Negotiations and Missed Opportunities for Peace, it may seem like just missed chances for peace. Still, it also serves as a gentle reminder of the vital importance of ongoing efforts and perseverance, with a hint of hope. Every effort we make toward understanding and open conversation brings us a little closer to a brighter future for everyone involved.

Ongoing Conflict and Future Prospects

As the war continues, European leaders appear to cling to strategies that haven't worked, often due to the sunk-cost fallacy and ongoing domestic challenges. There’s a tendency to divert attention from their internal issues by emphasizing the Ukrainian conflict, even as the situation on the ground gradually shifts in Russia’s favor.

Colonel Baud believes that extending the war might actually favor Russia, as it slowly diminishes Ukrainian resistance. He suggests that European countries could find it more beneficial to encourage negotiations, although he feels there is little logical reason behind the current policies.

Conclusion

The discussion concludes on a somber note, reflecting on what lies ahead. The ongoing conflict mainly benefits external parties rather than Ukraine or Europe itself. If there's no shift in strategy or a return to sensible, fact-based decisions, Europe may soon experience the consequences of this situation. Let's hope for a change that brings clearer, more positive outcomes.