African bishop cautions Catholic journalists against compromising standards

Dec 12, 2024 | João Vissesse, ACI Africa

Luanda, Angola, - Catholic journalists in Angola received from one of the country’s leading bishops a bracing charge about their vocation that transcends borders.

Speaking during a thanksgiving Mass for the 70th anniversary of Radio Ecclesia, Angola’s Catholic Radio, Bishop António Francisco Jaca of the country’s Diocese of Benguela emphasized the need for Catholic journalists to adhere to their profession’s code of ethics.

“A Catholic journalist cannot be allied with the powerful of this world. You must not be bought; you must not lose your freedom. Journalism is a vocation that requires commitment, dedication, the ability to give, and sacrifice,” Jaca said during the Dec. 8 Eucharistic celebration at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Major Seminary Chapel in the Archdiocese of Luanda.

Jaca called upon Catholic journalists to act as “heralds of truth,” fostering integrity in their journalism practice and advocating for justice.

‘Remain impartial and pluralistic’

He went on to describe Catholic journalism as a “tool to promote justice, truth, and peace” and encouraged Catholic journalists to “remain impartial and pluralistic” in their reporting, resisting manipulation and external influences.

“Catholic journalism must always be impartial and plural, free from the interference of powers that seek to distort the truth. Investigate deeply, listen to all sides, and respect the diversity of voices,” Jaca said.

He urged Catholic journalists to uphold ethical principles in reporting, saying: “You must not use your power to extort, defame, or manipulate. Truth must be your compass as we build a more just and fraternal society. Avoid selfishness and the allure of power, and instead focus on serving the common good.”

Reflecting on Radio Ecclesia’s 70th anniversary, the Angolan Catholic Church leader emphasized the dual role of Catholic journalists as “communicators and evangelizers.”

The mission of Catholic journalists extends beyond informing the public to include the proclamation of the good news of hope, justice, and peace, he said.

“The journalist must be the voice of the voiceless, advocating for the marginalized and those excluded from public discourse. Your work should sow hope and instill confidence in a better future, even in difficult times,” Jaca said.

He cautioned against misinformation and propaganda, and called upon Catholic journalists to be “beacons of clarity and impartiality.”

“In a world where information can be misused for selfish purposes, journalists must act as forces of change, committed to truth and justice in its purest form,” Jaca said.

The Angolan Catholic bishop, who has been at the helm of the Benguela Diocese since June 2018 following his transfer from Angola’s Diocese of Caxito, where he started his episcopal ministry in July 2007, also reminded Catholic journalists to foster public interest and human dignity.

“The Catholic journalist’s work must be guided by a deep sense of vocation and dedication, prioritizing the collective good over personal interests. This is a form of priesthood in the field of journalism,” Jaca concluded.