'Actions speak louder than words.â? This popular saying resognates with every area of life, including the word-focused field of communication. As a result, those holding positions as public communicators throughout the world have a larger responsibility, since one action has the power to affect millions.
CHARLES MARSH
Professor, University of Kansas
'The world is watching us every moment, let's decide what we want to stand for. Let's get together and try to live our lives in a way that show our values...Because that's important for universities to do that and corporations to do, but good heavens, for the Church to do that becomes very important.â?
Pope Francis stands apart from the crowd in this regard. Through his actions, his dabbling in social media, and his public audiences, he has created an overall brand and message to send to the world. This year especially, he communicates mercy and hope.
CHARLES MARSH
Professor, University of Kansas
'Sometimes an image has the power to crystalize so much of what we believe and even though I'm not Catholic, I have such deep respect for Pope Francis. So seeing him yesterday really crystalized a message of mercy. I think he believes that with every molecule of his being and that just radiates from him.â?
Pope Francis exemplifies how to use communication and technology, not as a tool to preach, but an addition to the message of mercy he portrays through his actions of helping the poor, rescuing refugees, and caring for the sick and imprisoned.
To believers and non-believers alike, the uniformity by living what he believes is inspirational. He communicates without even talking. People see who he is, how he lives and what he believes, which sends a much more powerful message.
CHARLES MARSH
Professor, University of Kansas
'If we all lived our values and saw each one of us as another precious being, the world would be transformed and it would heaven on Earth.â?
The actions of Pope Francis touch the hearts of everyone, a place where verbal communication is unable to reach. With his established brand, it seems he will continue to promote mercy and understanding between peoples and countries one action at a time.
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