Abstract:
The global media landscape is undergoing a period of profound transformation,
characterized by rapid technological advancements and pervasive digital
interconnectivity. While contemporary mass communication offers unprecedented
opportunities for reach and influence, it is increasingly challenged by ethical crises,
including the proliferation of misinformation, societal polarization, sensationalism, and a
decline in public trust. This paper investigates the intersection of Christian ethics, public
theology, and digital media, proposing a framework for morally responsible
communication practices informed by the core themes of the Roman Catholic Church’s
Jubilee Year 2025. Anchored in the scriptural and theological vision of Jubilee,
understood as a time of renewal, reconciliation, and the cultivation of hope, this study
applies Christian moral thought to address the pressing ethical dilemmas confronting
mass communication today. Employing a multidisciplinary methodology that integrates
theological analysis and comparative ethical critique, the research draws upon Church
teachings, papal pronouncements, and observed media practices to construct a
theologically grounded and practically applicable model of moral media engagement.
Particular attention is devoted to the ethical implications of emerging digital trends, such
as artificial intelligence, algorithmic influence, deep-fakes, and the evolving dynamics of
influencer culture. Through a critical analysis of some Christian media initiatives, this
paper examines the extent to which faith-based communication endeavours reflect - or
fail to reflect - Christian values of truth, human dignity, and service to marginalized
communities. Ultimately, the study advocates for a Jubilee-inspired renewal of media
culture, one that prioritizes the restoration of trust, fosters constructive dialogue, and re-
envisions communication as a vocation of hope. It concludes by articulating concrete
ethical guidelines for communicators and outlining pathways for pastoral, academic, and
institutional engagement aimed at fostering a more humane, morally grounded, and
socially responsible media environment.
