The Press Office of the Holy See announced today the theme chosen by Pope Benedict for the 42nd World Communications Day: “The Media: At the Crossroads Between Activism and Service. Seeking the Truth in order to share it with others.”

The theme "calls on us to reflect on the role played by the media and especially the increasing risk of their becoming self-absorbed and no longer tools at the service of truth - something which is meant to be sought and shared," said the president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Archbishop Claudio Celli.

The message of the Holy Father for the World Communications Day is usually published on the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron of journalists (January 24) and celebrated on the Sunday before Pentecost, which in 2008 is the May 4.