Sr Molly Fernandes SFN
Kigali, Aug 1: In a landmark moment for global Catholic media, Africa will host the SIGNIS World Congress for the very first time – a historic milestone. The global assembly takes place from August 3 to 8, at the Sainte Famille Hotel in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda.
Organized by SIGNIS (the World Catholic Association for Communication), the event gathers over 300 delegates, journalists, filmmakers, and digital communicators from more than 100 countries. Participants arrive eager to connect, exchange perspectives, learn, and return home empowered and enriched.
Among the international delegations, India will be well represented by professionals hailing from various regions across the country, led by Fr Victor Lobo, national president of SIGNIS India.
The Congress centers on the overarching theme: Digital communication for communion, equity, environmental wellbeing. Over four dynamic days, plenary sessions and panel discussions will dive deep into crucial contemporary issues, including:
Synodality: A model for peaceful co-existence and social development.
Digital communication for communion and harmony: Fostering unity in a fragmented digital landscape.
Religious and cultural praxis in the digital age: Navigating faith, tradition, and modern media channels.
The Pentecost project and wisdom calls: Exploring how professional communicators can collaborate with religious sisters to amplify their voices in the public square.
Notably, over a dozen religious sisters will take the podium as key speakers and panelists, highlighting the vital role of women religious in modern media ministry and social transformation.
Opening Holy Mass: Celebrated at St Michael’s Cathedral by His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, alongside concelebrating clergy from across the globe.
Excursions and cultural immersion: Delegates will experience Rwanda’s history, faith, and landscapes through scheduled visits to:
The Kigali genocide memorial, reflecting on memory, healing, and peace.
The natural environment and scenic beauty surrounding Kigali.
A spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred sanctuary of Kibeho.
The working committees have coordinated every detail to ensure a seamless experience—from accommodation to delegate welfare.
To ensure smooth transit and easy assistance, local volunteers will be stationed at Kigali International Airport and key road junctions throughout the city. Attendees can easily identify them by their official Congress T-shirts, which were officially released today, August 1.
Reflecting on the final preparations, Daniel Mugabonake, permanent secretary, SIGNIS World Congress, Kigali 2026, shared:
“As the SIGNIS World Congress Kigali 2026 draws near, we are grateful for the remarkable journey that has brought us to this moment. The preparation process has been intensive and demanding, but it has also been marked by strong collaboration, generosity, and a shared commitment to making this Congress a memorable experience for participants from around the world. Today, we are excited and ready to welcome the global SIGNIS family to Kigali and to showcase Rwanda's hospitality, faith, and spirit of excellence.”
SIGNIS (World Catholic Association for Communication) is a non-governmental organization bringing together Catholic media professionals across TV, radio, cinema, journalism, internet, and media education in over 100 countries to promote human dignity, justice, and peace.