Conference for Catholic media coming to Christchurch 

The conference theme is related to Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, in which he said, “Safeguarding faces and voices ultimately means safeguarding ourselves. Embracing the opportunities offered by digital technology and artificial intelligence with courage, determination and discernment does not mean turning a blind eye to critical issues, complexities and risks”.

The conference and the awards dinner will be held at the Crowne Plaza, while the Thursday night Mass will be held at Nazareth House with Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley the main celebrant.

Cardinal John Dew, who was at the conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV last year, will be one of the session speakers, along with James Bergin, a Catholic expert on AI technology and the executive GM of technology research and advocacy at Xero, and Chelsea Houghton, strategic communications and fundraising specialist with a technology focus.

ACPA president David Ahern said the focus on AI is timely.

“The Pope is providing important advice at a time of great social change. He is clearly concerned, as we all should be, about the pace of change and the impact AI is having on human relationships,” Mr Ahern said.

“The Pope’s communications statement and the release of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, warn of the dangers of ‘dehumanisation’ and should be heeded. The conference will interest many who work in media and communications in dioceses, parishes and Catholic charities. All are most welcome.”

The Christchurch conference marks the first staging of the event in New Zealand since 2017. The association was founded in the 1950s.

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Registrations now open for ACPA 2026 Conference (Australasian Catholic Press Association)