THEME OF WORLD DAY OF COMMUNICATIONS 2003

VATICAN CITY, SEP 24, 2002 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for Social Communications announced today that the theme chosen by John Paul II for the World Day of Communications 2003 is "The Communications Media at the Service of Authentic Peace in the light of 'Pacem in Terris'."

Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the dicastery, affirmed that the "theme chosen by the Holy Father reflects the importance of the media in promoting authentic peace, based on truth, justice and love, as Blessed John XXIII indicated in his famous encyclical letter of 1963, 'Pacem in Terris'."

The World Day of Communications is the only celebration of universal reach expressly desired by Vatican Council II in the document "Inter Mirifica" of 1963. It is celebrated in most countries on the Sunday before Pentecost at the suggestion of bishops from all over the world. In 2003, it falls on June 1st.

The Holy Father's message is traditionally published on January 24, the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists, to allow the episcopal conferences and diocesan organizations to prepare material for national and local celebrations of this event.

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