HOLY FATHER CHOOSES THEME FOR WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 2007

VATICAN CITY -- "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education" is the theme chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for the 41st World Communications Day 2007.

"The theme chosen by our Holy Father for World Communications Day underlines the need for parents and educators to realize the important formative influence of the media in the lives of children," said Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the department of the Holy See which prepares study materials and liturgical aids on the theme for distribution to bishops' conferences and international Catholic communications organizations

WWorld Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council ("Inter Mirifica", 1963), is marked in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world, on the Sunday before Pentecost (in 2007, May 20).

The announcement of the theme is customarily made on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, who has been designated as the patron of those who work in radio.

The Holy Father's message for World Communications Day is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers (January 24), to allow bishops' conferences, diocesan offices and communications organizations sufficient time to prepare audiovisual and other materials for national and local celebrations.

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