‘2022 Signis World Congress’ Opens... ‘Peace in the Digital World’

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomibeum] The opening ceremony of the '2022 Seoul SIGNIS World Congress' (SIGNIS World Congress 2022 Seoul, hereafter SWC2022), a major international event for Catholic journalists worldwide, was held at 9 a.m. on the 16th at the International Conference Hall of Jeong Hasang Hall, Sogang University.

At the opening ceremony, a congratulatory message from Pope Francis was announced. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, read the message, saying, "In the recent situation characterized by the outbreak of new violence and aggression, your choice of 'Peace in the Digital World' as the theme of the World Congress is timely," and added, "I ask you to prioritize your organized activities to embrace many communities around the world who remain marginalized in the digital space."

Helen Osman, President of SIGNIS World, said in her opening remarks, "Let us walk together remembering that peace is based on a deep understanding that we all need each other to create a world where the dignity of all people is respected."

Han Seung-soo, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the 2022 Seoul SIGNIS World Congress, said in his welcome address, "Please freely utilize Korea's digital environment and reflect on what digital media can and should do in the practice of evangelization you pursue, and I hope you experience the realization of that potential."

Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek of the Archdiocese of Seoul, honorary president of the event, said in his congratulatory speech, "Communication technology that considers all people is the right way to communicate in the digital world," and added, "I hope this congress will be an opportunity to reconsider those marginalized by digital technology."

Jeon Byeong-geuk, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said in his congratulatory speech, "I hope this congress will be a valuable time to embrace those marginalized in the digital space and promote community harmony," and expressed gratitude to all who joined the journey to find the path of peace.

This year's event seeks to explore the severe realities faced by Catholic journalists worldwide and various ways to overcome them. On the 16th, discussions will focus on 'Isolated Individuals in the Hyperconnected Era,' on the 17th, 'Fake News and the Crisis of Trust,' and on the final day, the 18th, 'Protecting Our Habitat, the Earth.'

The joint honorary presidents of the congress are Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung and Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek of the Archdiocese of Seoul, and the organizing committee chairperson is former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.