Pope Leo XIV proposes new gaze for communication in clickbait era

Pope Leo XIV has selected the theme "A New Gaze: Paying Attention in the Age of Clickbait" for the 61st World Communications Day, which will take place on May 9, 2027. The Vatican Dicastery for Communication announced the theme on September 29, the feast of St. Gabriel the Archangel.

The Dicastery for Communication stated that the theme addresses the attention economy, where digital platforms use sensationalist or misleading titles to drive clicks, views, and engagement. The Vatican noted that the constant struggle for brief moments of interest in a fast-moving digital environment can change human cognitive abilities and reduce the depth of communication between people.

To counter these effects, the Pope proposes a conversion of how people look at the world, others, and themselves. This approach encourages looking through the perspective of Christ by recognizing every person as someone loved and called by name. The Vatican noted that communication improves when people stop seeking to judge others and instead seek to encounter them. The full papal message is scheduled for release in January.