|
|
|
| |||||
|
In his message for the 34th annual world day for social communications, the Holy Father notes "a lack of respect for religious convictions and moral principles" in media coverage of world affairs. He argues that the mass media often promote "indifference and even hostility toward Christ and his message." Noting that much of the regular modern experience of human life is filtered through the mass media, the Pontiff insisted that religious principles should not be excluded from the media's coverage. He also called upon Christians who are active in the media to "find ways to speak explicitly about Jesus, who was crucified and resurrected, about his triumph over sin and death, in a manner that is appropriate to the media that is being used the audiences that are being addressed." That challenge, he said, would require a strong professional background in the media, as well as an equally strong interior life. The world day for social communications will be observed on June 4, but the Vatican released the Pope's message on January 24. The June 4 observance, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, will include a Jubilee day in Rome for journalists, and an ecumenical ceremony at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The annual observance is a response to the Vatican II decree Inter Mirifica, promulgated in December 1963, which called for the establishment of by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Since 1967, the observance has taken place each year on the Sunday before Pentecost. 
 |
|
January 25, 2000 volume 11, no. 17 NEWS & VIEWS
To print out text of Today's issue, go to: |
Search for anything from the last three years in past issues of the DailyCATHOLIC:
| |