Students and young professionals from around the world recently completed a two-week program in Rome, aiming to become faith-filled future Catholic journalists. Forty journalists from over 20 countries studied, collaborated on scripts, produced videos, tested equipment, and delved deeper into video journalism. The academy provided practical courses on filming, video editing, and social media distribution, as well as theological knowledge and apologetics. This report comes from Andreas Thonhauser, EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief.

Pope Francis described the task of journalists as “striving to capture the essential.” He made this statement at the beginning of the year in front of Vatican reporters. The Holy Father emphasized the importance of not sugarcoating tensions, but at the same time not creating unnecessary noise. This lesson was among the many learned by participants at the EWTN Summer Academy in Rome from June 17th to 26th.

One participant from the USA, Thomas Phippen, said he “enjoyed [his] time in Rome very much.”

For the third time, young communicators and influencers were invited to apply for this summer program, which aims to form the next generation of Catholic journalists. The application process was rigorous, and only the best and most promising candidates were accepted. Former participants of the EWTN Summer Academy returned as tutors for the program. Valeria Joy Escalona from the Philippines praised the quality of this year’s participants, saying, “The participants this year are all great.”

In response to the current developments in the media landscape, the academy focused primarily on video journalism and digital communications, acknowledging the growing importance of fast-moving images and decreasing attention spans.

The academy not only provided practical courses on filming, video editing, and social media distribution but also on theological knowledge and apologetics. It is crucial for today’s faith communicators to have strong arguments when discussing the Church’s hot-button issues, such as marriage and the right to life.

The Summer Academy also serves as a kick-off for the participants, who will now join their peers from previous years in a vibrant alumni community with regular meetings and continuous education. This initiative aims to cultivate a future generation of journalists capable of capturing the essential.

Adapted by Jacob Stein