Vatican City, Oct 7, 2010 / 08:54 am
Noting the influence of media on perception of reality in an ever developing world, the Holy Father on Thursday called Catholic communications experts to base their efforts in the truth of the Word of God. The "Word," he said, continues to be the "fundamental and ... essential instrument of communication."
The Holy Father met with participants on the final day of this week's Catholic Press Congress promoted by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. The conference has examined the place of the Church in the digital age, inviting Catholic communications professionals from all over the world to the Vatican to share their experiences.
Benedict XVI spoke of two aspects concerning Catholics working in the media: the nature of the press in a globalized era marked by changing technologies and how Catholic publications should strive to remain “explicitly and substantially” faithful to Church teaching by daily committing to follow the path of truth.
"Catholic journalists must seek the truth with impassioned minds and hearts", he explained, "but also with the professionalism of competent workers equipped with adequate and efficient means.” This is more important than ever today, he said, as the idea of "image" is becoming increasingly important.