Pastoral Communication in Papal Catechesis: A Content Analysis of Pope Francis’ General Audience Reflections

Pastoral Communication in Papal Catechesis

A Content Analysis of Pope Francis’ General Audience Reflections

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67641/mstr.v28i1.2024

Keywords:

Catechesis, Catholic Church, Content Analysis, General Audience, Pastoral Magisterium, Pope Francis

Abstract

This study focuses on Pope Francis’ 2022-2024 General Audiences, delving into his 122 reflections to identify significant themes and communication patterns. Using thematic and conceptual content analysis, we identify the 10 most prevalent themes and pastoral strategies aimed at communicating the essential elements of religious faith more effectively and meaningfully to new and diverse audiences. We suggest that adapting content, tone, and delivery—using stories, authoritative references, and multimedia—can deepen understanding and broaden reception of the intended message. The study contributes to the perennial discourse on how religious communication can maintain fidelity to its tradition while responding creatively to the pastoral challenges and cultural realities of contemporary society.

Author Biographies

Noel Asiones

Noel G. Asiones worked as an academic researcher at the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned a Ph.D. in Theology, and served as Full Professor III at its Institute of Religion. His research interests include church and society, and religion and youth.

Eulalia Tome

Eulalia M. Tome is a licensed professional teacher and researcher with a Ph.D. in Religious Studies (Psychology of Religion) from Sogang University, South Korea.  Her research integrates theology, anthropology, and psychology, focusing on faith, ritual, and Filipino identity.

Ulysses Parado, University of Sto. Tomas

Ulysses John R. Parado is a faculty member of the UST Institute of Religion. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology and conducts research in empirical theology, philosophy, and the sociology of religion.

Concepcion Corotan, University of Sto. Tomas

Concepcion Corotan is a Professor of Theology at the UST Institute of Religion. She earned her Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Santo Tomas.  Her research focuses on marriage and family, religious education, and spirituality.

Maria Lowella Calderon, Ateneo de Manila University

Maria Lowella Calderon is a Theology faculty member at Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. She holds degrees in Religious Education, Education, and Theology, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at the Loyola School of Theology.

Orlando Cantillon, Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne, Sta. Ana, Taguig

Orlando Cantillon is the Parish Priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne in Sta. Ana, Taguig. A former missionary in East Timor and Indonesia, he now also serves as manager of a church-based cooperative.

Jasper Suquila, National University of Manila

Jasper T. Suquila is a theology and social science educator and Assistant Professor at the National University of Manila. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology (Ecumenical Theology) at Manila Theological College. His academic interests include theology and ecumenism. 

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Published

15-06-2026

How to Cite

Asiones, Noel, Eulalia Tome, Ulysses Parado, Concepcion Corotan, Maria Lowella Calderon, Orlando Cantillon, and Jasper Suquila. 2026. “Pastoral Communication in Papal Catechesis: A Content Analysis of Pope Francis’ General Audience Reflections”. MST Review 28 (1):128-69. https://doi.org/10.67641/mstr.v28i1.2024.

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 1 (2026): June 2026 issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Noel Asiones, Eulalia Tome, Ulysses Parado, Concepcion Corotan, Maria Lowella Calderon, Orlando Cantillon, Jasper Suquila

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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