The Mission of Catholic Journalism

“Striving to capture the essential and hitting the streets to walk the digital roads, and always listening to the people they encounter.” This is how Pope Francis described the task of journalists. In his message to Vatican reporters, the Holy Father emphasized the importance of not sugarcoating tensions but also not creating unnecessary noise. His remarks highlight an ongoing crisis: recent polling confirms that only 7% of adults in the western world have a great deal of trust in the news media, and 38% have no trust at all. The question arises in the Catholic media: how can the faithful respond to growing concerns, re-establish dedication to the truth, and renew hope in the field of journalism?

EWTN Summer Academy: A Global Gathering

Rising Catholic journalists traveled to Rome to participate in the 3rd edition of the EWTN Summer Academy, aiming to train the next generation of Catholic journalists. Valerie Joy Escalona from the Philippines explains, “We come from all over the world. There are people coming from Iraq, from Asia, from Europe, from the United States, and then we all come here together for the same mission, which is: we want to spread Christianity using the power of the media.”

Forty journalists from more than 20 countries studied, collaborated on scripts, and worked in teams to produce, shoot, and edit videos, all while taking a deeper dive into their faith. Each of the participants was accepted after a rigorous application process, ensuring only the best and most promising candidates were selected.

Hands-On Practice and Spiritual Growth

The program focused on hands-on practice: camera work, video editing, script writing, and on-camera reporting. It also delved into spiritual and contemporary issues facing Christians. How do we cover hot-button issues? How do we become 21st-century apologists? How do we engage with the faithful around us?

Scheduled events offered a better understanding and appreciation for the Petrine ministry and the Vatican. At the General Audience, participants honed their skills by interviewing pilgrims and searching for stories. Thomas Phippen from the USA reflects, “I think that one of my favorite experiences from the Summer Academy has been the general audience where we watched the Pope’s message. Certainly, we're there to enrich our faith, but also practiced doing journalism, which is what we are called to as Catholic journalists.”

Building a Supportive Community

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 network will be instrumental in fostering a future generation of journalists capable of capturing the essential.

Escalona notes, “The EWTN Summer Academy has been amazing to bring together all these like-minded Catholics who are just as passionate as I am in spreading Christianity using the power of the media. It’s such a gift to meet all these people of diverse backgrounds, gifts, and ministries, and to be gathered here in the heartland of the Catholic Church in the Vatican. Ready to be invested in and empowered to be set forth to our own home countries and communities to make an impact, and for Christ in the Church.”

Phippen shares his personal motivation: “I’m here at the Summer Academy because I want to both grow in my faith and learn how to cover the Catholic Church in a more honest way. And also I want to help spread the word of the Catholic Church and bring people closer to Christ. It's a big picture.”

Looking Ahead

The campus, situated on the Janiculum Hill in Rome, offers a stunning view of St. Peter's Basilica. The next edition of the Summer Academy is scheduled for July next year, continuing its mission to gather young Catholic journalists, provide knowledge, boost faith, and create an enduring alumni community.

Adapted by Jacob Stein