. AI, not a replacement for human nature and relationships – Onaga
Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Nigeria on Sunday , joined other Catholic Dioceses across the world to celebrate the 2026 World Communication Day with a call on Christians and media practitioners to use communication as a tool for truth, unity and human development rather than destruction.
Delivering the homily during the celebration, held at the. Holy Ghost Cathedral ,Enugu, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Callistus Onaga, warned against the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital technology, saying modern innovations should not replace human identity, values and relationships.
Bishop Onaga, who was the chief celebrant at the event, described communication as a divine gift through which God relates with humanity, noting that words possess the power to build, create and also destroy.
According to him, human voices and faces remain sacred and unique, stressing that no technological advancement should take away human originality and dignit.
“The human voice is unique and different from every other person. Our faces are different and help define our identity. God created us uniquely and communication helps humanity to relate, build and preserve society,” he said.
The cleric noted that while digital technology and artificial intelligence have become important tools in modern communication, their excessive and careless use could negatively affect human relationships, academic integrity and social interaction.
He expressed concern that many people, especially youths and students, now depend heavily on artificial intelligence for academic and personal activities instead of developing themselves intellectually and creatively..
Bishop Onaga warned that overreliance on AI could weaken research culture in universities and gradually erode human reasoning and originality.
He also lamented that technology was increasingly affecting family and social life, saying many people now spend long hours on phones and social media platforms with little or no meaningful interpersonal communication. He lamented that husband and wife could sit at the same place , chatting with foreigners for hours without talking to each other.
Bishop Callistus Onaga, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese
According to him, artificial intelligence should only serve as a supportive tool for solving problems and not as a replacement for human nature and relationships.
The bishop further urged Christians to regulate how they use digital platforms and social media in order to protect their identity, values and mental well-being.
He called on communication professionals, media practitioners and the faithful to uphold truth, morality and responsibility in the dissemination of information.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sunny Udeze, in his remarks, maintained that media practitioners must remain committed to communicating the truth to the people at all times. According to him, communication remains the centre of human existence and plays a crucial role in shaping society.
He spoke extensively on interpersonal communication, noting that many developments over the years had continued to highlight the importance of responsible information dissemination. Prof. Udeze urged journalists and media professionals to always uphold truth and professionalism in their reports and publications.
Describing the internet as “a forest” filled with “the good, the bad and the ugly,” he cautioned journalists against the spread of misinformation and unethical content. He challenged media practitioners to always reflect on the legacy they would leave behind after their time on earth.
Also speaking, the Guest Speaker, Associate Professor Ezinwa, stressed the need for ethical communication and responsible journalism in the digital age, urging communicators to use the media as a tool for peacebuilding, moral reawakening and societal development.
Director of Communications, Rev Fr Anthony Aneke
Earlier in his address , the Director of Communication, Rev Fr Anthony Aneke, urged media workers to always ensure they communicate the truth to the public. He thanked the Bishop and the church for their support. The Director also thanked media practitioners for promoting the works of the church.
World Communication Day is celebrated annually by the Catholic Church globally to reflect on the role of communication in evangelisation, human development and societal growth.
Enugu state Broadcasting Service workers matching
Daughters of Divine Love Sisters
Radio Maria workers matching with Bishop Onaga taking salute
Highlights of the event were prayers for tne media workers and match past by various media stations.
