Catholic Media Conference 2025: Charting the Church's Digital Future
The Catholic Media Conference concluded in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 27, 2025, after four days of discussions on the future of Catholic communication. The event, attended by Catholic communicators from across the globe, highlighted key issues and opportunities for the church's media presence in the digital age.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, addressed the conference during his inauguration ceremony in May. He urged communicators to strive for peaceful communication, echoing his message of unity and understanding. The conference delved into the role of artificial intelligence in Catholic media, emphasizing the need to safeguard human dignity and ensure accurate reporting.
Gretchen R. Crowe, editor-in-chief of our website, sees Catholic communication as a vocational service to the church. She stressed the importance of nurturing the next generation of Catholic journalists and co-producing content with young people. James Rogers, chief communications officer of the USCCB, described the present as a 'kairos moment' for Catholic communication, highlighting the opportunity for growth and change.
The conference emphasized the vital role of Catholic media in spreading the Gospel and truth, especially in the digital age. Edmundo Reyes, co-founder of Digital Continent and Real+True, noted the focus on the church's future and opportunities for reintroduction. Trust was described as 'digital currency' in Catholic media, underscoring the importance of diligence in reporting and verification of sources to maintain credibility.
