Reproducing Media and Information Literacy Through the Digital Papacy and the Discursive Strategies of Pope Francis: An Intertextual Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the discursive tactics utilized by Pope Francis in his social encyclicals, emphasizing their function in articulating intricate theological concepts, ethical mandates, and social justice matters to a worldwide audience. Anchored in Mumby’s theoretical framework of discourse, the research highlights the interpretive essence of communication, the impact of socio-cultural circumstances, and the significance of conversation. The conceptual framework includes intertextual analysis, demonstrating how texts reference and engage with each other in the digital environment. The key issue identified is the necessity for improved Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in response to modern issues, including misinformation and digital saturation. This study seeks to accomplish three objectives: to examine the discursive techniques of the encyclicals, to investigate the implications of the digital pope for religious communication, and to evaluate the incorporation of Media and Information Literacy principles within the Pope’s teachings. The study employs a qualitative research design based on intertextual analysis, concentrating on three units: (1) Pope Francis’s encyclicals—Lumen Fidei, Laudato Si, and Fratelli Tutti; (2) messages from World Communications Day; and (3) pertinent secondary literature on Media and Information Literacy (MIL). The results indicate that Pope Francis's discursive strategy successfully foster critical thinking and ethical media participation, hence augmenting the Church's significance in the digital era. The study boosts social order within the universal Catholic Church by demonstrating how these encyclicals cultivate a unified narrative that promotes active engagement in confronting modern difficulties. The research suggests that the digital pope functions as an essential channel for Media and Information Literacy, enabling individuals to traverse the digital environment responsibly. Recommendations encompass enhanced incorporation of MIL principles within Church doctrines and the formulation of digital engagement tactics that promote community and ethical dialogue.