Pope Leo’s Case for Media Literacy Education in the Church

by Dr. Rose Lugo, Founding President, Media Education Society

Pope Leo XIV has explicitly called for media literacy education throughout education systems and affirmed the Church’s responsibility to advance it. His teachings connect critical thinking, digital discernment and human dignity with the Church’s mission of evangelization. As we commemorate Media Literacy Week 2026, these teachings make a compelling case for comprehensive media literacy formation for teachers, catechists, clergy, religious and lay Church leaders.

This conviction predates his papacy. In an October 2012 Catholic News Service interview, then-Father Robert Prevost addressed the influence of media on beliefs and behavior. Asked whether Catholics should eliminate or drastically limit digital media, he identified formation as the answer. His central question remains urgent: “How do we teach people to become critical thinkers?”

He emphasized helping people recognize underlying messages and examine what they encounter rather than accepting it at face value. He also acknowledged social media’s usefulness for evangelization. Together, these observations establish an important foundation: effective participation in the media environment requires preparation, discernment and an understanding of how communication influences people.

During his pontificate, Pope Leo has developed this position into an explicit educational appeal. In his January 24, 2026, message for the World Day of Social Communications, the Holy Father urged the introduction of media, information and artificial intelligence literacy at every educational level. He called on Catholics to contribute and extended this responsibility to lifelong learning, including older adults and marginalized communities.

The message identifies concrete educational priorities: evaluating sources, understanding the interests behind information, recognizing how algorithms shape perception and independently verifying sources supplied by AI. Pope Leo also warns that digital environments can reward immediate emotional reactions while weakening reflection and listening.

For Catholic educators, these concerns reach directly into the formation of conscience. Discerning whether a message is truthful, manipulative or degrading involves moral judgment. Understanding how media influence our desires, assumptions and treatment of others helps us examine whether our choices reflect the Gospel.

Pope Leo strengthened this appeal on May 22, 2026, addressing an international conference on media and digital literacy. He affirmed the Church’s responsibility to contribute to planning and implementing media, information and AI literacy within education systems. He situated this work within her mission of salvation and concern for the whole person.

The Holy Father specifically addressed young people’s spiritual well-being alongside their physical and intellectual development. He explained that digital literacy must include education about God and humanity, helping young people integrate technology into a holistic Christian life. Media education, understood through this teaching, belongs within Catholic formation.

Institutional preparation is equally important. In his October 2025 apostolic letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, Pope Leo called for stronger teacher formation, including digital preparation. He encouraged discernment concerning educational platforms, data protection and equitable access, while affirming technology’s potential to serve education.

The Vatican’s September 29 announcement of the 2027 World Communications Day theme continues this emphasis: “A New Gaze: Paying Attention in the Age of Clickbait.” Explaining the theme, the Dicastery for Communication described the effects of the attention economy on thought and relationships. Its invitation to recover attention through Christ’s loving gaze reinforces the spiritual importance of how we engage with media.

These teachings warrant a bold, coordinated response. Dioceses, Catholic schools, seminaries, religious communities and parish ministries should incorporate media literacy into initial and ongoing formation. Teachers and catechists need preparation to guide critical inquiry. Clergy, religious and lay leaders need the same competencies to accompany the faithful and communicate responsibly.

Such formation should unite practical analysis with Catholic moral and spiritual reflection: truth and misinformation; advertising and temperance; representation and human dignity; digital habits and prayer; online conduct and charity. It should equip adults to teach these relationships confidently and model them consistently.

As president of the Media Education Society, I believe this responsibility calls for sustained institutional investment, qualified instruction and accessible formation across generations.

Media Literacy Week offers an opportunity to commit resources, establish partnerships and make this education a lasting priority. Pope Leo has provided a clear foundation. Our response should match its urgency: form Catholics who can critically examine media, exercise freedom responsibly and bring the light of Christ into the communications shaping our world.

Join Our Apostolic Movement

The intersection of faith and media presents a profound opportunity. It allows believers to address ethical concerns, promote social justice, and model compassion. The Media Education Society exists to equip individuals to engage with media through a faith-formed conscience. This empowers communities to uphold values that strengthen the social fabric, enriching public discourse and ensuring that Catholic voices shape the media landscape with clarity, dignity, and grace. Your tax-deductible gift makes an impact today. Donate.

References

1. Catholic News Service. Interview with then-Father Robert Prevost, Oct. 29, 2012. Full interview video and complete transcript published by the USCCB. This interview predates his papacy and supplies historical context. USCCB
2. Pope Leo XIV. Message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications: “Preserving Human Voices and Faces”, Jan. 24, 2026. Source for his appeal for media, information and AI literacy, source verification and lifelong learning. www.vatican.va
3. Pope Leo XIV. Address to Participants in the International Conference on Media and Digital Literacy, May 22, 2026. Connects media education with the Church’s mission, salvation and young people’s spiritual development. www.vatican.va
4. Pope Leo XIV. Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, Oct. 27, 2025, especially sections 9.1–9.3. Addresses teacher formation and discernment in educational technology. www.vatican.va
5. Vatican News. “‘Paying Attention in Age of Clickbait’—2027 World Communications Day Theme”, Sept. 29, 2026. Reports the Dicastery for Communication’s announcement and explanation of the theme; it is distinct from the forthcoming papal message for 2027. Vatican News