MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 47th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 47th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
"Social Networks: portals of
truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization."
[Sunday, 12 May 2013]
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As the 2013 World Communications Day draws near, I would like to
offer you some reflections on an increasingly important reality regarding the
way in which people today communicate among themselves. I wish to consider the
development of digital social networks which are helping to create a new
“agora”, an open public square in which people share ideas, information and
opinions, and in which new relationships and forms of community can come into
being.
These spaces, when engaged in a wise and balanced way, help to
foster forms of dialogue and debate which, if conducted respectfully and with
concern for privacy, responsibility and truthfulness, can reinforce the bonds of
unity between individuals and effectively promote the harmony of the human
family. The exchange of information can become true communication, links ripen
into friendships, and connections facilitate communion. If the networks are
called to realize this great potential, the people involved in them must make an
effort to be authentic since, in these spaces, it is not only ideas and
information that are shared, but ultimately our very selves. "
Click here for the full text of his message.
This part leaves me speechless.
"The social media thus need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation; of people who strive to cultivate forms of discourse and expression which appeal to the noblest aspirations of those engaged in the communication process.
Dialogue and debate can also flourish and grow when we converse with and take seriously people whose ideas are different from our own.
“Given the reality of cultural diversity, people need not only to accept the existence of the culture of others, but also to aspire to be enriched by it and to offer to it whatever they possess that is good, true and beautiful” (Address at the Meeting with the World of Culture, Bélem, Lisbon, 12 May 2010).
The challenge facing social networks is how to be truly inclusive: thus they will benefit from the full participation of believers who desire to share the message of Jesus and the values of human dignity which his teaching promotes."
This part leaves me speechless.
"The social media thus need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation; of people who strive to cultivate forms of discourse and expression which appeal to the noblest aspirations of those engaged in the communication process.
Dialogue and debate can also flourish and grow when we converse with and take seriously people whose ideas are different from our own.
“Given the reality of cultural diversity, people need not only to accept the existence of the culture of others, but also to aspire to be enriched by it and to offer to it whatever they possess that is good, true and beautiful” (Address at the Meeting with the World of Culture, Bélem, Lisbon, 12 May 2010).
The challenge facing social networks is how to be truly inclusive: thus they will benefit from the full participation of believers who desire to share the message of Jesus and the values of human dignity which his teaching promotes."
No comments:
Post a Comment