NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN, 9 (NE) The President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Archbishop John Patrick Foley, manifested that in view of the "clutter" of information and the amount of distraction "that it is difficult to focus on what is meaningful," being "selective is of the utmost importance regarding the media today, not only for audiences but also for media workers." In an interview published by the Vatican agency Fides, Archbishop Foley responded to a series of queries under the light of Pope John Paul II's recent Message for the 33rd World Communications Day, which has as its theme: "Mass media: a friendly companion for those in search of the Father".

      The Vatican Archbishop also pointed out the imperious need of urging people to ask themselves questions such as: "Which programs to watch, why is news broadcast in certain ways, what is behind the drama of a film and play?" Archbishop added that, "in this way we will advance towards making the media a 'a friendly companion' on man's journey to eternal life."

      Also, in view of the question on "How can the media communicate hope, even in tragic situations?", Archbishop Foley pointed out that "Christians are people of the resurrection" and with the Lord Jesus "we can help people see tragedy and pain in a new light."