Sunday Word of God & Jubilee of the World of Communications

Renee Smith, Digital Media Team Lead at Camsel, submitted this report while in Rome for the Jubilee of the World of Communications

Holy Mass at St Peter’s Basilica on The Sunday of the Word of God (January 26) ended the public events for the Jubilee World of Communications that took place in Rome that weekend.

In under 10-degree weather, thousands of faithful, and among them pilgrims who registered for Communication conferences that week, gathered to worship even if they could not find a seat in the packed Basilica.

This special day, instituted by the Pope in 2019, focuses on deepening the faithful’s relationship with the Scriptures and reflecting on the profound role the Word of God plays in the life of the Church.

In his homily, Pope Francis drew attention to the Gospel reading, which recounts the calling of the first disciples. He stressed that the Word of God calls not only to the intellect but to the very heart of individuals, inviting them to follow Christ and become “fishers of men” as the apostles did.

He described the Word of God as a “call to transformation”—an invitation to move beyond mere knowledge and allow the teachings of Jesus to shape lives and actions.

The Pope encouraged the congregation to approach the Scriptures with openness and humility, noting that the Bible is not merely a historical or academic text, but a living Word that continues to speak to each generation. “The Word of God is not something we study in a distant way, but it is a Word that comes alive, inviting us to be part of God’s mission,” he said.

Pope Francis also reflected on the importance of reading the Scriptures within the context of the Church, highlighting how it is through the community that the full meaning of God’s Word is understood and applied. He urged families to read the Bible together, fostering a culture of prayer and reflection in the home.

Some of what the Holy Father said could resonate with the communicators in the audience, as he addressed the challenges of modern life, pointing out how easily people can become distracted or distant from God’s Word.

He stressed the need for constant renewal in the relationship with Scripture, particularly in an era where technology and media often drown out quiet moments of reflection and prayer.

As the Mass ended, Pope Francis offered a special prayer for all those who are engaged in spreading the Gospel, especially through digital platforms. He called for renewed efforts in making the Word of God accessible to all, particularly to the marginalised and those living in areas of conflict.

Romit Alfred from the Diocese of Mumbai, India, told The Catholic News the frigid weather at first, made it difficult to concentrate on the Mass that was celebrated in Italian. “The Mass was still very beautiful though it was hard for me to focus. The architecture of the Basilica is amazing, and I found a piece of artwork that was small and unique to me, and it really drew me near to God in that moment. I remain touched that so many of us from across the world were all together in communion.”