Alerts Sign-up
Catholic media professionals gathered in Phoenix for the 2025 Catholic Media Conference, held from June 24-27. The event featured a panel discussion on "Catholic Media as Bearers of Truth: Evangelization, Integrity and the Digital Age," with participants highlighting the essential role of Catholic media in conveying truth and witnessing to the Gospel during this significant period for the church.
The panelists included Gretchen R. Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News; James Rogers, chief communications officer of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; and Edmundo Reyes, co-founder of Digital Continent and Real+True, as well as Revive Parishes. Jeanette De Melo from EWTN News moderated the session.
De Melo referenced Pope Leo XIV's guidance on how Catholic communicators should spread the Gospel while upholding journalistic integrity. She cited his May 12 address urging media professionals to foster peace by avoiding aggressiveness and compromise.
Crowe emphasized that their work is a vocation in service to the church, bringing people closer to Christ. She remarked on the importance of being peacemakers in today's world.
Reyes noted a shift in focus towards future possibilities within church discussions despite ongoing issues like abuse crises. He sees this as an opportunity for Catholic communicators to reintroduce the church with renewed curiosity and openness.
Rogers described this time as a "kairos moment," highlighting a surge in audience engagement since Pope Leo's election but stressing urgency in fostering relationships with Jesus through compelling communication.
Challenges such as artificial intelligence were also discussed. Rogers warned about AI's potential impact on online engagement with divisive content. He advised influencing social media positively rather than being swayed by it.
Crowe shared insights from investigative journalist Mark Greenblatt’s presentation on AI at Arizona State University, advocating for diligence and accuracy in reporting to maintain trust.
Reyes mentioned practical uses of AI in creative processes while emphasizing digital trust currency's importance. He called for learning collaboratively to find effective ways forward.
The panel also highlighted nurturing new Catholic journalists' talents, echoing Pope Francis' call to create content collaboratively with young people for greater impact today.
Gina Christian reported these insights from OSV News and can be followed on X @GinaJesseReina.
